Red Sea Container Terminals announced today the official opening of Egypt’s first semi-automated container terminal at Sokhna Port on the Gulf of Suez. This facility marks a key milestone in Egypt’s maritime development, supported by a 30-year concession agreement with the Egyptian government, enhancing the country’s appeal for international trade and investment.
The terminal was developed by a consortium including Hutchison Ports, CMA Terminals (a 100% subsidiary of CMA CGM Group), and COSCO SHIPPING Ports. Located near the southern entrance of the Suez Canal, it serves as a gateway connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe through the Suez Canal Economic Zone. Capable of handling the largest container vessels afloat, it integrates with Egypt’s transport network, including direct highway and railway links to major industrial zones.
The grand opening ceremony was attended by prominent government officials, including Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt; Mr. Kamel El-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport, Trade, and Industry; and Mr. Walid Gamal Eldin, Chairman of the Suez Canal Economic Zone, along with representatives from shipping lines and industry stakeholders. Guests toured the state-of-the-art facilities, observing advanced cargo handling systems that set new standards for port operations in Egypt.
The visitors expressed satisfaction with the progress and successful completion of the Red Sea Container Terminals project, noting its strategic importance in boosting Sokhna Port’s competitiveness, supporting industrial and trade growth, creating skilled jobs, and advancing Egypt’s Vision 2030 to become a global logistics and maritime hub.
Mr. Clemence Cheng, Managing Director, Europe, Hutchison Ports, said: “The inauguration of Red Sea Container Terminals represents a historic milestone that reflects our profound commitment to Egypt. With an investment exceeding USD 1.8 billion in the country, we recognise Egypt as a pivotal market at the intersection of key global trade routes.”
Ms. Christine Cabau, Executive Vice President Assets, CMA CGM, stated: “As a successful joint-venture between Hutchison Ports, CMA CGM and COSCO SHIPPING, this new terminal in Sokhna combines world-class automated infrastructure with unrivalled North/South rail connectivity between Sokhna, 6th of October in Cairo area and Alexandria.”
Mr. Zhu Tao, Chairman, COSCO SHIPPING Ports, expressed: “At COSCO SHIPPING Ports, we are dedicated to making our global port network better, stronger and more efficient. The grand opening of the Red Sea Container Terminals is marked as an essential pathway for trade, enabling seamless goods movement and strengthening ties between Egypt, China, and the broader global market.”
Phase I infrastructure includes a 1,200-metre berth, 18-metre water depth, and initial handling capacity of 1.7 million TEUs, with plans to expand to 3.5 million TEUs across 2.6 kilometres of quay. Equipped with six remote-control ship-to-shore cranes and 18 automated rubber-tyred gantry cranes—the first in Egypt—plus the nGen Terminal Operating System for precise tracking. Aligned with Hutchison Ports’ sustainability strategy, it uses fully electric cargo equipment to reduce carbon emissions significantly. The terminal sits in the world’s deepest man-made port basin, as recognized by Guinness World Records.