The celebrations marking the launch of the commercial operations of the Red Sea Container Terminal began this morning, coinciding with the arrival of the vessel CMA CGM IRON, operated by the global shipping line CMA CGM, arriving from the Port of Beirut carrying 13,000 containers. This step represents a significant milestone in the development journey of the port, following one month of the terminal’s trial operations. The terminal is operated by a consortium comprising Hutchison Ports, CMA CGM, and COSCO Shipping.
The Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, the Chairman of the General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone, and a number of attending officials proceeded to the terminal berths. At the outset of the event, they listened to several speeches delivered by senior officials, in the presence of the Governor of Suez, the Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, the Deputy Minister of Transport for Maritime Transport, the Director of the Ain Sokhna Port Development and Completion Project, the Assistant Minister for Maritime Transport, the Managing Director and Regional Director for Europe and Egypt at Hutchison Ports, the Chief Executive Officer of CMA CGM Terminals, the Chairman of COSCO Shipping, and representatives of Hutchison Ports, CMA CGM, and COSCO Shipping.
At the beginning, Mr. Kaho Wong, Chief Executive Officer of Red Sea Container Terminal, delivered a speech in which he welcomed the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, and all distinguished officials in attendance. He stated that it is a great honor to welcome everyone today at this commercial inauguration ceremony, noting that their presence, especially at this important moment in the terminal’s journey, adds great significance to the occasion and reflects the value of what is being launched collectively.
Mr. Kaho Wong added that he was honored to extend a special welcome to the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development, and the Chairman of the General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone. He expressed appreciation for their participation, considering it a strong confirmation of the pivotal role that RSCT will play in supporting the logistics and industrial ambitions of the Ain Sokhna area.
He also welcomed the distinguished guests from government entities, the ports community, the maritime sector, as well as valued customers, partners, and colleagues, stating that it is a great honor for this occasion to be attended by such a respected and esteemed gathering.
Mr. Kaho Wong described the commercial inauguration of RSCT as an important milestone reflecting years of planning, cooperation, and dedicated effort. More importantly, he emphasized that this day marks the beginning of the terminal’s operational journey as a modern container terminal. He stated that the mission of the terminal is to support supply chains and deliver added value to customers and partners, noting that from day one, the focus has been on operational excellence, customer satisfaction, safety, and sustainability.
He concluded his speech by thanking all attendees for sharing in this important achievement, stating that their participation truly made the event special, and expressed his wishes for a successful and enjoyable celebration.
