Landmark arrivals cement Egypt Sokhna Port’s role in global trade: DP World

Doaa A.Moneim , Wednesday 18 Jun 2025

DP World Egypt has reinforced Ain Sokhna Port’s role as a linchpin in Egypt’s economic, industrial, and tourism ambitions, with three landmark maritime operations underscoring the port’s growing strategic relevance across sectors, the company said in a statement on Wednesday.

Ain Sokhna Port
Ain Sokhna Port

 

In 2008, the Dubai-based multinational logistics company DP World acquired a 90 percent stake in Sokhna Port Development Company, the operator of Sokhna Port in Egypt.

The port, located in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, is a major maritime gateway for Egypt. DP World has also invested significantly, totaling $80 million, in developing a logistics park within the Sokhna area, further enhancing its role in Egypt's trade and logistics sector.

The port’s expanding capabilities were demonstrated through the arrival of the Energos Eskimo, a Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU); the reception of Egypt’s largest-ever iron ore shipment; and the return of the Aroya cruise ship, reflecting the port’s agility in handling complex and diverse maritime operations.

The docking of the Energos Eskimo, operated by New Fortress Energy (NFE), led the week's developments. The vessel has arrived for a series of specialised technical upgrades, including modifications to its high-pressure gas manifold, ahead of a strategic deployment to Egypt’s SUMED Port.

Upon completion, the FSRU will begin injecting natural gas into Egypt’s national grid, directly supporting the country’s growing energy needs. This operation showcases Sokhna’s ability to manage high-value, technically demanding energy infrastructure and reinforces its growing role in the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply chain.

“DP World Egypt continues to prove its ability to manage diverse vessel types with efficiency and precision. Sokhna Port’s strategic location and advanced infrastructure make it a vital connector between Egypt, East and North Africa, Asia, and beyond”, said Mohammad Shihab, CEO of DP World Egypt.

In another major milestone, Sokhna Port successfully received the Berge Kuju, a 300-metre dry bulk vessel arriving from Brazil with 180,008 tonnes of iron ore, the largest shipment ever to dock at an Egyptian port.

The iron ore, destined for Ezz Steel, is part of a long-term supply agreement and supports more than six million tonnes of annual throughput, firmly establishing Sokhna as a critical gateway for Egypt’s steel and manufacturing sectors.

The cargo was efficiently discharged using Sokhna’s deep-water berths and high-capacity mobile harbour cranes, showcasing DP World’s ability to deliver rapid, large-scale cargo handling for key industrial clients.

Rounding out the week’s achievements was the arrival of the Aroya cruise ship, making its second scheduled call under an ongoing partnership with Cruise Saudi. The vessel brought 2,300 international passengers, all of whom disembarked smoothly through the port’s upgraded customs and passenger facilities.

The visit highlights Sokhna’s rising importance in the Red Sea cruise tourism circuit, drawing thousands of visitors and stimulating local economic activity across hospitality, transport, and retail sectors.

“Our continued investments in terminal capacity and integrated logistics solutions are enabling Egypt to support more advanced and diversified maritime operations. From heavy industry to tourism, Sokhna is evolving into a truly multifunctional port ecosystem”, added Shihab. 

The company also stressed that its multi-sector momentum is underpinned by a long-term commitment to Egypt’s trade ecosystem. The $80 million Sokhna Logistics Park, nearing completion, will further enhance the port’s multimodal capabilities, offering end-to-end supply chain solutions and improving access to regional and global markets.

By integrating logistics with port operations, the development is expected to attract foreign investment, reduce supply chain bottlenecks, and elevate Egypt’s standing as a competitive global exporter.

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