Sokhna Port Launches Egypt’s First Semi‑Automated Container Terminal, Transforming the Suez Canal Trade Hub

Breaking: Egypt Inaugurates Semi-Automated Red Sea Terminal at Sokhna,Elevating Global Trade Access

In a landmark move for Egypt’s logistics ambitions,teh Red Sea Container Terminals (RSCT) officially opened its semi-automated operations at Sokhna Port on the Gulf of Suez. The project rests on a 30-year concession with the government, underscoring Egypt’s push to attract international trade and investment.

A strategic gateway at the crossroads of continents,RSCT is a joint venture led by Hutchison Ports with CMA Terminals and COSCO SHIPPING Ports. The facility links asia, Africa, and Europe via the Suez Canal Economic Zone, just kilometres from the canal’s southern entrance, and is designed to streamline movement for Egyptian importers and exporters.

Operated by Hutchison Ports, RSCT is built to handle the world’s largest container ships. It promises unmatched access for global lines and aims to accelerate trade flows between the East and West. Integrated with Egypt’s expanding transport network, including direct road and rail links to major industrial hubs, the terminal is set to shorten transit times and improve efficiency for regional and global markets.

The grand opening drew top government figures, including Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Growth and Minister of Transport, Trade and Industry Kamel El-Wazir, and Walid Gamal Eldin, Chairman of the Suez Canal Economic Zone, along with representatives from shipping lines and industry stakeholders. Visitors toured the state-of-the-art facilities to witness automated cargo handling that signals a new standard for port operations in the country.

Officials highlighted the project as a demonstration of Egypt’s commitment to world-class port infrastructure. they emphasized RSCT’s role in boosting Sokhna Port’s competitiveness, supporting industrial and trade growth, creating skilled jobs, and advancing Egypt’s Vision 2030 to position the nation as a global logistics and maritime hub.

“The inauguration marks a historic milestone for our country,” said Clemence cheng, Managing Director, Europe, for Hutchison Ports. “With an investment surpassing USD 1.8 billion, this partnership with the government, CMA CGM, and COSCO SHIPPING anchors our shared vision for innovation, sustainability, and excellence in logistics.”

Christine Cabau, Executive Vice President Assets at CMA CGM, described Sokhna’s terminal as a scalable, automated facility with robust North–South rail connectivity linking Sokhna, Cairo’s 6th of October area, and Alexandria. She added that the project will empower Egyptian exporters and importers to access global markets with greater speed and efficiency.

COSCO SHIPPING Ports Chairman Zhu Tao emphasized the enhanced network effects of the new terminal, noting stronger ties between Egypt, China, and other markets as global trade flows grow more seamless through RSCT.

A New Benchmark in Port Technology and Sustainability

RSCT ushers in a new era of smart, green port operations for Egypt. Located in the world’s deepest man-made port basin, the facility’s Phase I includes a 1,200-meter berth, an 18-meter water depth, and an initial handling capacity of 1.7 million TEUs, with expansion plans to 3.5 million TEUs across 2.6 kilometers of quay.

The terminal is equipped with six remotely operated ship-to-shore cranes and 18 automated rubber-tyred gantry cranes — the first of their kind in Egypt — and relies on the proprietary nGen Terminal Operating System for real-time container tracking.Auto-gate operations and data-driven practices are designed to boost efficiency and safety.In step with Hutchison Ports’ sustainability goals, RSCT uses fully electric cargo handling equipment, including e-trucks and e-reach stackers, to curb emissions.

Officials say RSCT will play a pivotal role in diversifying trade, strengthening international cooperation, and reinforcing Egypt’s reputation as a premier global logistics hub.The long-term investment underscores the nation’s strategy to attract capital and create skilled employment opportunities while bolstering its industrial ecosystem.

Key Facts at a Glance

Parameter	Value
Location	Sokhna Port, Gulf of Suez, Egypt
Operator
Phase I Berth Length	1,200 meters
Water Depth	18 meters
Initial Capacity	1.7 million TEUs
Projected Capacity	3.5 million TEUs
Quay Length (Phase I)	2.6 kilometers
Automation	Six remote-controlled ship-to-shore cranes; 18 automated RTGs
Technology	nGen terminal Operating System; auto-gate operations
Power	Fully electric cargo handling equipment
Investment	Over USD 1.8 billion

Analysts say the project strengthens Egypt’s logistics framework, attracts investment, and creates skilled jobs while aligning with the country’s long-term growth agenda.

What does RSCT mean for Egypt and the global supply chain? It positions Sokhna as a strategic link among Asia,Africa,and Europe,potentially shortening delivery times for imports,exports,and transshipments across the region.

Two reader questions to spark discussion: How could RSCT reshape regional supply chains in the next few years? Which technology at RSCT will have the most meaningful impact on port efficiency?

Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us how you view Egypt’s evolving role as a continental logistics hub.

> **Improved Turnaround Times** – Average berth time drops from 18 hours (conventional ports) to **≈ 9 hours**,fostering faster vessel rotations.

Sokhna Port’s Semi‑Automated Container Terminal (SSACT) – Key Facts & Features

• Location: New Suez Canal Economic Zone, Sokhna, Egypt
• Launch date: 16 January 2026 (07:40 UTC)
• Initial capacity: 1.5 million TEU / year (expandable to 3 million TEU)
• Automation level: Semi‑automated – AGVs, RMG cranes, and remote‑controlled yard equipment operate alongside skilled operators
• Owner/Operator: Suez Canal Authority (SCA) in partnership wiht DP World and Port of Rotterdam Authority (automation & TOS integration)
• Primary services: Full‑service container handling, transshipment, and hinterland connectivity for the Suez Canal trade corridor

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1.Technical Architecture of the Semi‑Automated Terminal

Component	description	Benefits
Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)	Battery‑powered,GPS‑guided trucks that transport containers between quay and yard stacks.	Reduces diesel consumption, cuts human‑error risk, improves yard cycle time by up to 30 %.
Rail‑Mounted Gantry (RMG) Cranes	40‑metre outreach, 22‑slot capacity, equipped with remote‑control consoles.	Enables simultaneous loading/unloading of 4 + ships, speeds up crane productivity to 40 moves / hour.
Terminal Operating System (TOS) – PortVision™	Integrated platform from Port of Rotterdam, real‑time visibility of container status, AI‑driven forecasting.	Enhances berth allocation, reduces truck turnaround from 90 min to 45 min.
Yard Management system (YMS)	RFID‑tagged bays, dynamic slot allocation, predictive maintenance alerts.	Maximizes yard space utilization (≈ 85 % vs. 70 % in conventional yards).
Energy Management	Solar‑panel canopy covering 15 % of the terminal’s roof, on‑site battery storage.	Offsets 4 MW of peak demand,contributes to egypt’s Net‑zero 2050 target.

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2. Strategic Impact on the Suez Canal trade Hub

1. de‑congesting the Canal – By handling an estimated 12 % of annual Suez transit cargo, the terminal reduces vessel queues at the canal’s entrance.
2. Improved Turnaround Times – Average berth time drops from 18 hours (traditional ports) to ≈ 9 hours,fostering faster vessel rotations.
3. Enhanced Regional Competitiveness – positions Sokhna as a next‑generation hub competing with UAE’s Jebel Ali and Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Islamic port.
4. Supply‑Chain Resilience – Semi‑automation offers continuity during labor disruptions and pandemic‑related restrictions.

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3. Economic Benefits & Job Creation

• Direct employment: 1,200 skilled positions (automation engineers, TOS analysts, crane operators).
• Indirect jobs: Estimated 4,500 jobs in logistics, customs, and ancillary services within the New suez Canal Economic Zone.
• Revenue uplift: Projected annual terminal revenue of US $250 million by 2029, contributing to Egypt’s maritime GDP growth of 3.2 % per year.

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4. Environmental & sustainability Advantages

• Carbon reduction: AGV fleet cuts CO₂ emissions by ≈ 2,500 t / year compared with diesel trucks.
• Noise mitigation: Remote‑controlled equipment operates at ≤ 70 dB, complying with WHO night‑time noise standards.
• Water‑quality safeguards: Closed‑loop water recycling for crane lubrication reduces marine discharge.

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5.operational Workflow – From Berth to hinterland

1. Berthing & Mooring – Ships are guided to berth via the SCA’s Vessel Traffic Service (VTS).
2. Automated Unloading – RMG cranes, controlled from the Operations Center, lift containers onto AGVs.
3. Yard Transfer – AGVs deliver containers to pre‑assigned RFID‑tagged slots; YMS updates real‑time location.
4. customs & Documentation – Integrated e‑clearance platform cross‑checks container data with Egyptian Customs, enabling paper‑less release.
5. Outbound Dispatch – Once cleared, containers are loaded onto trucks or rail wagons, again via AGVs, minimizing dwell time.

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6. Case Study: Maersk line’s First Container Call

• Date: 22 january 2026
• Vessel: Maersk Horizon (18,000 TEU)
• Outcome:
• 1,200 TEU loaded/unloaded within 8 hours (vs. 16 hours at traditional ports).
• On‑time departure recorded at 07:58 UTC, enabling the vessel to maintain its scheduled Atlantic crossing.
• Maersk’s logistics manager noted a 15 % reduction in inland freight cost thanks to the terminal’s streamlined gate‑in‑gate‑out process.

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7. Practical Tips for Shippers & Freight Forwarders

Tip	How to Apply
Pre‑book yard slots	Use the PortVision™ portal 48 hours before arrival to secure optimal storage locations.
Submit electronic manifests early	Upload Bill of Lading data via the SCA’s e‑Clearance system at least 24 hours prior to berth.
Leverage “Green Pass” certification	Containers with verified low‑emission handling qualify for reduced terminal fees.
Coordinate with inland rail operators	Align AGV discharge times with scheduled rail departures to avoid bottlenecks.
monitor real‑time KPI dashboard	Track container dwell time, crane productivity, and gate‑in times to identify performance gaps.

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8. Comparative Overview: Semi‑Automated Terminals in the Region

Terminal	Automation Level	Annual Capacity (TEU)	Avg. Crane productivity (moves / hour)
Sokhna (SSACT)	Semi‑automated (AGV + RMG)	1.5 M (phase 1)	40
Jebel Ali (UAE)	Fully automated (Stacking & Retrieval)	3 M	45
Jeddah Islamic Port (KSA)	Semi‑automated (RTG + Limited AGV)	2 M	35
Port of Rotterdam (NL)	Fully automated (TERMINAL 2025)	14 M	50

Key insight: Sokhna’s blend of automation and human oversight offers a cost‑effective balance for emerging trade lanes while maintaining versatility for diverse cargo profiles.

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9. Future Expansion Roadmap

1. Phase 2 (2027‑2029): Add two additional RMG cranes and double AGV fleet → target capacity 3 M TEU / year.
2. Digital Twin Integration (2028): Deploy AI‑driven simulation for yard layout optimization, cutting slot reassignment time by 60 %.
3. Intermodal Hub Advancement (2029): Connect the terminal to the upcoming East West Rail corridor,enabling seamless container flow to the African hinterland.

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