The Suez Canal Container Terminal (SCCT) in East Port Said has officially inaugurated a major expansion that adds 2.2 million TEUs of annual capacity, raising the facility’s total throughput capability to 7 million TEUs.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi attended the opening ceremony for the $500 million upgrade, which includes 955 meters of new quay, 510,000 square meters of additional yard space, 12 quay cranes, 30 electric rubber-tired gantry cranes, and more than 90 trucks.
The expansion marks a significant infrastructure investment in one of the world’s most strategic maritime corridors. SCCT is one of eight hub terminals selected by APM Terminals to serve as the backbone of the East-West network operated by A.P. Moller – Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd.
“It is with great pleasure that we celebrate our commitment to Egypt, our partnerships and the dedicated people delivering excellence every day at this terminal,” said Lars Mikael Jensen, Head of Hubs and Ocean Collaboration at APM Terminals. “SCCT provides world-class operations and is a central part of our global network.”
Sustainability was a core priority for the project, which deployed electric RTGs, battery-electric container-handling equipment, renewable energy systems, and other efficiency upgrades. APM Terminals has set a target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.
Beyond infrastructure enhancements, the expansion is generating more than 1,000 new jobs and supporting long-term economic growth in the region.
Keld Mosgaard Christensen, Managing Director of SCCT, expressed gratitude for the government’s support: “We extend our sincere appreciation to His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, as well as to the distinguished ministers, authorities, and partners whose support has made this achievement possible. This expansion will further strengthen Egypt’s and the region’s trade opportunities.”
SCCT’s performance has garnered international recognition: the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence ranked Port Said and SCCT as the world’s third most efficient container port — and the most efficient in the region — in 2024.
To ensure continued operational excellence, the terminal has also implemented advanced digital planning tools, including digital twins, to optimize operations and improve schedule reliability across its network.
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