The Suez Canal Container Terminal (SCCT) in East Port Said has opened an expansion that adds 2.2 million TEUs of annual capacity, increasing total throughput capability to 7 million TEUs. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi attended the inauguration of the US$500 million development, which includes 955 meters of new quay, 510,000 square meters of yard space, 12 quay cranes, 30 electric rubber-tired gantry cranes, and more than 90 trucks.
SCCT is one of eight hub terminals selected by APM Terminals to form part of the East-West network operated by A.P. Moller Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd. Lars Mikael Jensen, Head of Hubs and Ocean Collaboration at APM Terminals, stated, "It is with great pleasure that we celebrate our commitment to Egypt, our partnerships, and the dedicated people delivering excellence every day at this terminal. SCCT provides world-class operations and is a central part of our global network".
The project included the deployment of electric RTGs and container-handling equipment powered by battery systems, as well as investments in renewable energy and energy-efficiency upgrades. APM Terminals has set a target of reaching net zero emissions by 2040.
The expansion is creating more than 1,000 jobs and is expected to support long-term development in the region. Keld Mosgaard Christensen, Managing Director of SCCT, said, "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. This expansion will further strengthen Egypt's and the region's trade opportunities".
Port Said and SCCT were ranked the third most efficient container port globally and first in the region in 2024 by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence. The terminal has also introduced digital planning systems, including digital twins, to support operational planning and schedule reliability across the network.
The expanded facility is expected to influence routing and transit decisions for exporters moving fresh produce through the East Mediterranean corridor, where container flows affect shipping reliability for perishable goods.
Source: gCaptain
