Egyptian state has set an unprecedented plan for the development of Egyptian ports and maritime transport sector; seeking to convert Egypt into a regional center for transport, logistics and transit trade.
Most outstanding of such ambitious plan is Sukhna port, being the southern gateway of Suez Canal and strategic focal point between Asian, European and African countries. Nowadays the port witness’s biggest development ever; where its area has expanded from 25 to 29 km2, and with berths length reaching 18 km2, docks of depths 18m, hence can receive giant container vessels
Moreover, there was a great celebration, in the attendance of lieutenant general/ Kamel ElWazir, deputy prime minister and transport and industry minister, for International Hutchison company celebrating the arrival of 3 giant berth cranes (RTG) out of total 6 winches in addition to 12 automatic yard winches (STS).
Such giant winches represent a leap in the port’s capability in dealing with biggest international navigational lines. And it is a part of a plan to convert Hutchison terminal 1 to first completely automated container terminal in Egypt.
This in addition to a smart ecofriendly terminal that will operate according to advanced technological systems.
Container terminal managing system (TOS) for instant control of containers’ traffic
GPS and RFID systems to monitor containers’ locations accurately.
Central control rooms to follow up the winches and the operational systems.
Environmental solutions to reduce emissions and enhance energy efficiency.
The minister has pointed out that the arrival of such winches is considered a step towards comprehensive operation and will double Sukhna abilities to receive giant vessels, hence reinforces Egypt status as a main factor in international supply chains. And that Sukhna port is no just a port but a comprehensive platform for logistic services and an example of successful partnership between the State and international private sector, he also added that we need smart secure ports with comprehensive services so that Egypt will become the first destination for international shipping companies and this project is a main step to achieve this.
Admiral/ Mohamed Khalil, the project manager, assured that implementation percentages have reached 96%, declaring that what have been accomplished exceeds structural works, as it is a comprehensive infra- structure project that includes:
5 new docks and berths of length 18 km to receive giant vessels
9.2million m handling yards and 5.2 km2 logistic regions
A railway network of length 30km linked with the rapid electric train
An internal road network of length 17km, 6 dual lanes.
Vital projects: administrative building, security complex, fences and gates
Breakwaters of length 3.270m and reclamation of 4 million m of lands
Such development has attracted grand international alliances and investments amongst which:
Contracting with Red Sea Co. for container handling (RSCT) for managing and operating the container terminal.
Debates with Abu Dhabi Ports for managing the (RO-RO) terminal and tourist vessels reception terminal.
Sukhna port represents a logistic gateway of Egypt on the Red Sea, and completes Suez Canal system allowing for Egypt a strategic location in international trade traffic and makes it capable of serving shipping channels between Asia, Europe and Africa efficiently.