Supported by significant financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the terminal marks one of Egypt’s most important port expansions in years.
What was inaugurated?
A second container terminal at East Port Said Port, one of Egypt’s most strategic maritime assets located at the northern entrance of the Suez Canal.
The terminal adds 2.2 million TEUs of new annual capacity (around 45 percent additional capacity), a new 955-metre berth, and a 510,000 square-metre container yard.
Why is this expansion significant?
The expansion is expected to reinforce East Port Said’s position as a top-tier global transshipment hub between Asia and Europe.
The Suez Canal Container Terminal (SCCT), already Egypt’s largest container facility, ranked third worldwide in the 2024 Container Port Performance Index.
With the additional capacity, the port will be better equipped to handle rising shipping volumes and accommodate larger vessels, thereby enhancing Egypt’s competitiveness in global trade.
How is IFC supporting the project?
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a World Bank Group member, provided a loan of up to $175 million to SCCT to help finance the terminal’s expansion.
The investment strengthens SCCT’s financial and operational resilience while encouraging greater private-sector participation in Egypt’s infrastructure sector.
What sustainability features are included?
Integration of electric cranes and environmentally friendly equipment. SCCT will also upgrade its environmental and social management system in line with IFC Performance Standards, reinforcing sustainable port operations.
What did officials say?
At the inauguration, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi emphasized the terminal’s economic significance.
SCCT Managing Director Keld Mosgaard Christensen described the investment as central to Maersk and APM Terminals’ long-term commitment to Egypt, while CFO Feza Engizek said it would enhance profitability, efficiency, and value creation.
IFC Division Director Cheick-Oumar Sylla noted that modern infrastructure is essential to maintaining Egypt’s trade leadership, and Regional Industry Director Sarvesh Suri added that the project reflects the IFC’s strategy of prioritising infrastructure investments in Egypt.
How does this align with Egypt’s economic strategy?
The project supports the World Bank Group’s Country Partnership Framework objectives, which include high-quality private-sector job creation and greener, more resilient, and more inclusive growth. It also helps consolidate the Suez Canal region as a global logistics hub.
IFC’s footprint in Egypt
Active since 1976, the IFC has invested and mobilised $10 billion in Egypt. Its focus areas include infrastructure, climate finance, fintech, manufacturing, renewables, healthcare, gender, and inclusion. Egypt has also designated the corporation as the technical advisor for its IPO Programme.
The IFC is the private-sector arm of the World Bank Group, active in over 100 countries. In FY2025, it committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in emerging markets.
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