For the first time in Egyptian maritime history, a local company has successfully operated a seaport without a global shipping line partner. The Egyptian Transport Ministry's company, "Mawane' Misr," has begun trial operations at the Sokhna port's general cargo and dry bulk terminal. This marks a significant milestone in Egypt's efforts to develop its maritime capabilities with domestic expertise.
The trial operation was a success, with the first cargo ship, "GAMBELLA," docking at the port with 1,460 metric tons of battery units for an energy storage system. The operation demonstrated the capabilities of Egyptian personnel in managing and operating various types of seaports. According to Lieutenant General Abdel Qader Darwish, CEO of Mawane' Misr, this achievement showcases the skills and expertise acquired through partnerships with international shipping lines.
The Sokhna port terminal, built on a 397,000 square-meter site, features two berths with a total length of 1,200 meters and a depth of 18 meters. This allows the port to accommodate large vessels and handle various types of cargo, including general cargo and dry bulk. The terminal's annual capacity is expected to reach 10 million tons, significantly increasing the port's handling capacity and supporting trade and industrial projects in the Suez Canal region.
The successful operation of the Sokhna port terminal is part of Egypt's strategy to establish itself as a regional hub for transportation and logistics. The project aligns with the government's efforts to enhance the country's maritime capabilities and boost economic growth. According to Darwish, several global shipping lines and agencies are in talks with Mawane' Misr to establish regular services to and from the Sokhna port.
The Egyptian Transport Ministry's company is planning to expand the terminal's operations, including the construction of customs warehouses and value-added services. This will enable the company to fully utilize the port's capacity and achieve its operational goals. The ministry aims to leverage the terminal's capabilities to support the growth of Egypt's economy and reinforce the country's position as a regional logistics hub.
The successful operation of the Sokhna port terminal demonstrates the capabilities of Egyptian companies in managing complex logistics projects. This achievement is expected to have a positive impact on Egypt's maritime industry and contribute to the country's economic growth. The terminal's operations will also support the development of industrial and logistics projects in the Suez Canal region.
Moving forward, Mawane' Misr will focus on completing the terminal's development, including the construction of customs warehouses and value-added services. The company aims to achieve its operational goals while adhering to international standards and ensuring the safety and security of the port and its operations.
Key points
- Egyptian companies operate Red Sea port without global shipping line partner
- Sokhna port terminal increases Egypt's maritime handling capacity
- Project supports Egypt's goal to become regional logistics hub
