Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt has officially commenced the commercial trial operation of the “Tahya Misr 1” container terminal at Damietta Port, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to become a regional hub for maritime transport, logistics, and transit trade. The trial was inaugurated with the arrival of the giant container vessel “ESSEN EXPRESS,” operated by the global shipping line Hapag-Lloyd, arriving from Ambarli Port, Turkey. The vessel measures 366.5 meters in length, 48 meters in width, with a draft of 15.5 meters, a capacity of approximately 13,177 TEUs, and a total weight of around 143,262 tons.
The launch aligns with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s directive to leverage Egypt’s strategic geographic location to develop the country into a regional transport and logistics center. The Ministry of Transport, led by Minister Kamel El Wazir, has undertaken a comprehensive plan to modernize maritime transport and upgrade all Egyptian seaports, including Damietta, to enhance their competitiveness and international trade capacity.
State-of-the-Art Infrastructure
The terminal features 12 super post-Panamax ship-to-shore cranes (STS) supplied by China’s HHMC, capable of handling ultra-large container vessels with lifting capacities up to 75 tons and an operational height of 57.5 meters, with a 72-meter outreach. These cranes are integrated with advanced safety systems, sensors, and cameras, and are fully compatible with intelligent port management systems, allowing real-time monitoring and highly efficient operations.
In addition, 40 automated rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes have been installed in the storage yard. These RTGs use advanced smart systems to accurately locate and stack containers, optimizing yard space and increasing operational efficiency. All equipment reflects Egypt’s commitment to sustainable operations, with environmentally friendly designs aimed at reducing carbon emissions in line with the country’s Sustainable Development Vision 2030.
Capacity and Operational Capabilities
“Tahya Misr 1” is one of the largest national projects in Damietta Port. It spans approximately 1,970 meters of berth with a depth of 18 meters and a storage yard of nearly 922,000 square meters. The terminal’s annual handling capacity is estimated at 3.5 million TEUs, enhancing the port’s ability to receive ultra-large container vessels and supporting faster cargo turnover. The arrival of the ESSEN EXPRESS demonstrates the terminal’s readiness for full commercial operations.
The terminal is part of a broader plan to attract global shipping lines to invest in Egyptian ports. The project is managed through an international partnership Damietta Alliance, which includes leading global operators such as Europe-based Eurogate, Italy’s Contship, and Hapag-Lloyd. The inauguration was attended by senior officials, including Damietta Governor Dr. Ayman El-Shehaby, Chairman of the Transport Committee Wahid Qarqar, representatives of the Egyptian Parliament, and key figures from the Ministry of Transport and maritime authorities. European trade attachés and representatives of major shipping lines were also present, reflecting strong international confidence in Egypt’s port development projects.
Strategic Importance
Minister El Wazir described the commercial trial as a strategic milestone, emphasizing that the terminal exemplifies Egypt’s ongoing modernization efforts in maritime transport. The project is part of a broader logistics development corridor connecting Tanta, Mansoura, and Damietta, aimed at enhancing Egypt’s role in global supply chains and positioning its ports as central hubs on the Mediterranean.
By combining advanced infrastructure, digitalized operations, and sustainable technologies, “Tahya Misr 1” sets a benchmark for port efficiency in the region. The project demonstrates Egypt’s commitment to transforming its ports into high-capacity, globally competitive maritime gateways, reinforcing the country’s status as a regional logistics and transit hub.
