Damietta: Minister of Transport Kamel El-Wazir announced the commencement of trial commercial operations at the 'Tahya Misr 1' container terminal at Damietta Port, marking a significant step in Egypt's journey to becoming a regional hub for transport, logistics, and transit trade.
According to State Information Service Egypt, El-Wazir highlighted this development during the inauguration ceremony, describing the terminal as a strategic milestone in Egypt's comprehensive plan to enhance its maritime transport system. This initiative aligns with Egypt Vision 2030 and follows directives from President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to establish Egypt as a regional logistics center.
The new terminal is a testament to the state's efforts to capitalize on Egypt's strategic location and bolster its standing on the global trade map. 'Tahya Misr 1' boasts 1,970 meters of quays with depths reaching 18 meters, a 922,000-square-meter yard, and an annual handling capacity of 3.5 million TEUs, effectively doubling the capabilities of Damietta Port as a Mediterranean hub.
In line with Egypt's shift toward green ports and reduced carbon emissions, the terminal is equipped with 12 modern quay cranes and 40 eco-friendly electric RTG yard cranes. El-Wazir outlined the ministry's maritime development strategy, which focuses on expanding and deepening seaports, upgrading the national maritime fleet to 40 vessels by 2030 with a cargo capacity of 25 million tons annually, and forming strategic partnerships with leading global operators.
He cited the collaboration with Damietta Alliance Container Terminals-a consortium of Eurogate, Contship Italia, and Hapag-Lloyd-as an exemplary model of international cooperation in port management and operation. The minister emphasized that Egypt intends to retain ownership of its ports while working with international firms in management and operation to enhance efficiency and competitiveness, continuing to develop integrated international logistics corridors that connect production zones with seaports nationwide.