Egypt has opened its first semi‑automated container terminal at Ain Sokhna, a Red Sea hub developed by Hutchison Ports, CMA Terminals and COSCO Shipping Ports, as Suez Canal traffic climbs to its highest level in more than a month amid carriers' gradual return to the route.
Red Sea Container Terminals (RSCT) announced the official opening of its new container terminal at Sokhna Port on the Gulf of Suez, developed under a 30‑year concession agreement with the Egyptian government. The facility represents a major addition to Egypt's port infrastructure and is expected to strengthen the country's role in regional and global trade.
RSCT, developed by a consortium compromising Hutchison Ports, CMA Terminals (a 100% subsidiary of CMA CGM Group) and COSCO SHIPPING Ports, serves as a vital gateway linking Asia, Africa, and Europe through the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
It is located just a few kilometres from the southern entrance of Suez Canal, one of the world's critical maritime junctures, the terminal is designed to facilitate international shipping and boost transport efficiency for Egyptian importers and exporters.
The new terminal, located at Ain Sokhna within the Suez Canal Economic Zone, is equipped with automated yard equipment and remote‑controlled cranes designed to speed up vessel operations and reduce turnaround times. Officials say the facility will expand capacity on Egypt's Red Sea coast and support growing demand on Asia–Europe and regional trade lanes as carriers gradually restore Suez routings.
Operated by Hutchison Ports, RSCT is also capable of handling the biggest container vessel afloat. It offers access for global shipping lines and optimises trade flow between the East and the West and is integrated with Egypt's expanding transport network, including direct highway and railway connections to major industrial zones.
The announcement noted that RSCT enables more efficient cargo movement across regional and global markets, shortening transit times for imports, exports, and transshipments.
Clemence Cheng, managing director, Europe, Hutchison Ports, said the inauguration of RSCT represents a "historic milestone" that reflects the company's profound commitment to Egypt.
"With an investment exceeding US$1.8 billion in the country, we recognise Egypt as a pivotal market at the intersection of key global trade routes. Our partnership with the Egyptian government, CMA CGM, and COSCO SHIPPING at RSCT underscores our shared vision for innovation, sustainability, and excellence in logistics," he said.
Zhu Tao, chairman, COSCO Shipping Ports, added: "The grand opening of the RSCT is marked as an essential pathway for trade, enabling seamless goods movement and strengthening ties between Egypt, China, and the broader global market."
RSCT features Phase I infrastructure that includes a 1,200-metre berth, a water depth of 18 metres, and an initial handling capacity of 1.7 million TEUs, with plans to expand this to 3.5 million TEUs across 2.6 kilometres of quay.
It's also equipped with an initial batch of six remote control ship-to-shore cranes and 18 automated rubber-tyred gantry cranes – the first of their kind in Egypt – RSCT leverages a proprietary Terminal Operating System, nGen for precise and real-time container tracking. The integration of auto-gate operations and data-driven practices enhances efficiency, safety, and the working environment for employees.
In alignment with Hutchison Ports' global sustainability strategy, RSCT employs fully electric-powered cargo handling equipment, including e-trucks and e-reach stackers, significantly reducing carbon emissions.
During the grand opening ceremony, distinguised attendees from the public and private sectors noted that the launch reflects Egypt's commitment to developing modern port infrastructure. They highlighted the terminal's role in strengthening Sokhna Port's competitivess, supporting industrial and trade growth, and advancing the goals of Egypt's Vision 2030 to position the country as a global logistics and maritime hub.
