Commercial Trial Operations Begin at Safaga 2 Terminal, Strengthening Egypt’s Logistics Hub Ambitions

Egypt’s maritime transport sector has marked the commercial trial launch of the multi-purpose Safaga 2 Terminal, a key component of the Greater Safaga Port project. The move comes within the framework of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s vision to position Egypt as a regional hub for transport, logistics, and transit trade, in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Ports Group.

The trial operations began under real-world operating conditions, with the terminal receiving its first two vessels. One arrived from Singapore carrying 5,000 vehicles, while the second came from King Abdullah Port with 2,642 TEUs on board, demonstrating the terminal’s operational readiness and its capability to handle a wide range of commercial cargo activities.

Supporting Upper Egypt Development and Trade Growth

The Minister of Transport stated that Safaga 2 Terminal will serve as a strategic driver for the development of Upper Egypt. The facility is expected to support mining activities within the Golden Triangle region, boost export and import operations, and connect development projects as well as industrial and logistics zones across northern, central, and southern Upper Egypt with global ports.

He added that the terminal will help attract investments in manufacturing, logistics services, warehousing, and value-added industries, while also strengthening freight transport through the railway network, including integration with the third line of the high-speed electric rail system.

New Gateway for International Port Expansion

According to the Minister, the terminal represents a new milestone in the international expansion strategy of Egypt’s ports sector. It forms part of the Southern Arab Trade Corridor, which links the Gulf region with Europe through Egyptian territory, extending from Mediterranean ports through Safaga and onward to the ports of NEOM and Jeddah before reaching global markets.

The facility is also expected to strengthen connectivity with East African countries through the international logistics zone designated by Egypt to serve African partners, supporting re-export operations and the handling of various cargo types.

The Minister noted that Egypt currently ranks 19th globally, first in Africa, and second in the Arab world in global trade connectivity indicators. The country aims to secure a place among the world’s top 15 nations by 2030 as part of a broader strategy to enhance the competitiveness of Egyptian ports.

He also praised the cooperation with Abu Dhabi Ports Group, describing it as a successful model for international partnerships in port management and operations that helps improve operational efficiency and keep pace with global developments in maritime transport.