Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt has completed a major expansion of the Suez Canal Container Terminal (SCCT) in East Port Said, reinforcing the country’s position along one of the world’s most critical maritime trade corridors. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi attended the inauguration of the $500 million upgrade, which adds 2.2 million TEUs of annual handling capacity and raises the terminal’s total throughput potential to 7 million TEUs.
The expansion project delivers 955 meters of new quay, 510,000 square meters of additional yard space, and a significant boost in equipment and technology, including 12 state-of-the-art quay cranes, 30 electric rubber-tired gantry cranes, and more than 90 new trucks.
SCCT jointly operated by A.P. Moller–Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd is one of eight global hub terminals designated by APM Terminals to anchor its East-West shipping network. Lars Mikael Jensen, Head of Hubs and Ocean Collaboration at APM Terminals, said the expansion underscores the group’s long-term commitment to Egypt and to enhancing the efficiency of the global supply chain. “SCCT provides world-class operations and is a central part of our global network,” he said.
Sustainability was a core focus of the project, reflected in the deployment of electric RTGs and new battery-electric handling equipment, alongside investments in renewable energy and improved energy-saving systems. These efforts align with APM Terminals’ ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040.
The expansion is also expected to deliver substantial economic benefits. More than 1,000 new jobs are being created, supporting both the local workforce and the broader regional economy.
Keld Mosgaard Christensen, Managing Director of SCCT, expressed appreciation for the government’s backing throughout the development process. “We extend our sincere gratitude to His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, as well as to the distinguished ministers, authorities, and partners whose support has made this achievement possible,” he said. “This expansion will further strengthen Egypt’s and the region’s trade opportunities.”
SCCT’s performance has already earned global recognition. In 2024, the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence ranked Port Said and the SCCT facility as the world’s third most efficient container port and the top-ranked port in the Middle East and Africa.
To support its expanded operations, the terminal has adopted advanced digital planning tools, including digital twin technology, to enhance operational visibility, optimize resource allocation, and maintain high schedule reliability across the shipping network.
With its upgraded capacity and enhanced technological capabilities, the Suez Canal Container Terminal is set to play an even more influential role in global trade flows and in Egypt’s long-term economic strategy.
