Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir said on Monday the docking of two container vessels at Safaga port represents a historic breakthrough, underscoring the readiness of the new multipurpose terminal “Safaga 2” to accommodate growing maritime trade, particularly transshipment.
The ministry announced that MV Container Ship Saskiaa and MV Container Ship AN HAI berthed at the terminal, the first such event since the port’s establishment. The achievement comes less than two months after the start of commercial trial operations at Safaga 2, reinforcing Egypt’s position on the global trade map.
El-Wazir directed Red Sea Ports Authority officials to oversee docking and cargo handling, ensuring smooth operations and adherence to international standards. He praised cooperation with the Interior Ministry in expediting procedures, highlighting effective coordination among state institutions.
The minister stressed that welcoming container ships for the first time demonstrates the success of Egypt’s port development strategy, aimed at transforming facilities into global logistics hubs capable of attracting major shipping lines and expanding transshipment trade. Safaga 2 is a key component of the integrated logistics corridor (Safaga–Qena–Abu Tartour), one of eight international corridors being developed to position Egypt as a regional centre for transport and logistics.
The terminal is also seen as a gateway for Upper Egypt, supporting mining activities in the Golden Triangle, facilitating exports and imports, and linking development zones across the region to the port. It is expected to attract investment in industry, logistics and manufacturing, while increasing reliance on rail and the high-speed electric train for cargo transport.
El-Wazir concluded that the new terminal adds significant capacity to Egypt’s maritime sector, noting that the country now ranks 19th globally, first in Africa and second in the Arab world in international trade connectivity.
