Sokhna Launches Trial Operations at New 10 Million-Tonne General Cargo and Bulk Terminal
Shipping Arabia, September 21, 2026 – Egypt has launched trial operations at the first phase of a new general cargo and bulk terminal at Sokhna Port, with the facility designed to handle up to 10 million tonnes annually and accommodate large vessels at berths with depths of up to 18 meters.
Trial operations began with the arrival of GAMBELLA, represented by Dominion Shipping Agency, carrying around 1,460 metric tonnes of battery units for an energy storage system. The vessel was berthed and its cargo discharged and handled as part of the terminal’s operational testing programme.
Cargo discharge was carried out by Suez Stevedoring Company, while the terminal is operated by Egypt Marine Ports Company.
Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir said the trial phase will test the terminal’s complete operating system, including the readiness of its berths, yards, equipment, workforce and operational systems, as well as performance during vessel reception, discharge, cargo transfer and storage before progressing toward full operations.
The terminal occupies approximately 397,000 square meters and includes two marine berths with a combined length of 1,200 meters and depths of up to 18 meters, enabling it to receive large vessels and handle both general and bulk cargo.
Its targeted annual capacity of around 10 million tonnes will add substantial handling capability at Sokhna while supporting industrial and logistics activity across the Suez Canal region and surrounding economic zones.
Rear Adm. Abdel Qader Darwish, Chairman and Managing Director of Egypt Marine Ports Company, said the first vessel call represents an important step toward full operation of the facility as part of the wider development of Sokhna into a strategic Red Sea port.
Further phases will include the development of customs warehouses and value-added logistics services, with the company planning to progressively utilize the terminal’s full area and reach its targeted operating capacity.
Source: Ministry of Transport – Egypt
