Container Terminal Operations

Shipping Arabia, October 17, 2026 – The Port Training Institute (PTI) at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) has signed a contract to provide crane operator training for the Nador container terminal in Morocco, which involves a partnership between Marsa Maroc and CMA CGM. The agreement expands the institute’s international training activities and strengthens its cooperation with the Moroccan port sector.

The signing took place in Morocco in the presence of AASTMT President Prof. Ismail Abdel Ghafar Ismail Farag. The contract covers specialized training and qualification programs designed to equip crane operators with the technical and operational skills required for container terminal operations.

Comprehensive Crane Operator Training at Nador Container Terminal

Under the Nador container terminal training agreement, the Port Training Institute will implement an integrated program combining theoretical instruction, specialized simulator training and practical crane operation.

The training will progress through several stages, beginning with technical knowledge and simulation-based exercises before advancing to practical training on cranes. Participants will subsequently receive hands-on instruction using the company’s actual equipment.

This approach aims to prepare crane operators for the operational requirements of container terminals while developing their technical proficiency in accordance with professional industry standards.

The signing ceremony was also attended by Prof. Alaa Mahmoud Morsi, Dean of the Port Training Institute and Maritime Transport Research and Consultation Center, and Ehab Hamdy, Assistant Dean for Financial and Administrative Affairs.

Marsa Maroc and AASTMT Expand Training Cooperation

Beyond the Nador container terminal training contract, the Port Training Institute also signed a broader cooperation framework covering crane operator training and qualification across all ports affiliated with Marsa Maroc.

The framework extends the scope of collaboration beyond a single container terminal, creating opportunities to develop the technical and operational capabilities of personnel across the Moroccan port operator’s facilities.

According to AASTMT, the additional agreement reflects Marsa Maroc’s confidence in the institute’s specialized training programs and their ability to address the operational requirements of port facilities.

The cooperation also builds on the Port Training Institute’s previous experience in crane operator training, including recently implemented programs for operators at WMCT.

These earlier training activities have strengthened the institute’s track record in delivering specialized programs tailored to the practical needs of container terminal operations.

AASTMT Highlights International Confidence in Port Training Expertise

AASTMT President Prof. Ismail Abdel Ghafar Ismail Farag welcomed the partnership, emphasizing the importance of the Port Training Institute’s specialized capabilities and integrated training approach.

He noted that the selection of PTI to deliver crane operator training reflects confidence in its technical expertise and the effectiveness of its training system, which combines theoretical knowledge with practical application.

The academy views the agreement as further recognition of the institute’s role in developing skilled personnel for the maritime and port sectors.

In addition, the cooperation strengthens PTI’s relationships with international port operators and maritime organizations. It also supports AASTMT’s efforts to transfer technical expertise and provide specialized training services that respond to the needs of the regional and international maritime industry.

Through the Nador contract and the wider Marsa Maroc cooperation framework, the institute will extend its training activities in Morocco while supporting the development of qualified crane operators across the country’s port sector.

Source: Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport

Shipping Arabia, October 10, 2026 – Damietta Container & Cargo Handling Co. (DCHC) is seeking to increase vessel calls and expand SFT and SLG feeder services at Damietta Container Terminal following discussions with representatives of the two shipping lines. The talks focused on increasing container throughput, strengthening commercial cooperation and attracting additional maritime services to the Egyptian terminal.

The meeting took place on September 29, 2026, with Xu Liming, regional representative of the owners of Safetrans Line (SFT) and Sea Legend Line (SLG). Karim Hassan, Operations Manager at Badawi Shipping Agency, which represents both shipping lines in Egypt, also attended.

Rear Adm. Dr. Rafik Galal, Executive Managing Director of DCHC, welcomed the delegation and outlined the company’s efforts to strengthen relationships with regional and international container carriers. He emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation and attracting new shipping services to Damietta Container Terminal.

DCHC Targets More Vessel Calls and Container Throughput

A central focus of the discussions was the potential to increase vessel calls by SFT and SLG at Damietta Container Terminal.

According to DCHC, both shipping lines have previously operated a number of voyages to the terminal. The company now aims to increase the frequency of their calls and expand the volume of business handled through its facilities.

Galal highlighted the existing relationship with both carriers and expressed DCHC’s interest in developing further cooperation. Increasing vessel calls and attracting additional services remain key priorities as the company works to strengthen container handling activity.

The discussions also formed part of DCHC’s ongoing commercial and marketing efforts to diversify its customer base. The terminal operator is seeking to attract more regional and international shipping lines while making greater use of its available operational capabilities.

Through these initiatives, DCHC aims to support maritime trade and reinforce its role in serving container shipping activity across the Eastern Mediterranean.

SFT and SLG Shipping Networks and Expansion Opportunities

The meeting included a review of the shipping networks operated by Safetrans Line and Sea Legend Line, with particular attention to their regional and international services.

Safetrans Line (SFT) operates container shipping services connecting Asia with several major maritime regions. Its network includes the Mediterranean, Black Sea and Northern Europe, covering both regional and international container transport.

Sea Legend Line (SLG), meanwhile, provides shipping connections between Asian markets, the Mediterranean, Red Sea and European markets.

The company is pursuing the expansion of its regional and international services, with a particular focus on strengthening its presence in the Mediterranean.

These networks formed part of the discussions on potential cooperation at Damietta. DCHC is seeking to expand SFT and SLG feeder services while encouraging both carriers to increase their operations at the terminal.

The proposed expansion would build on the shipping lines’ previous calls at Damietta rather than establish an entirely new relationship.

Delegation Reviews Damietta Terminal Operations

Following the meeting, the visiting delegation conducted a field tour of Damietta Container Terminal.

The tour covered the terminal’s berths and container yards, allowing representatives of SFT and SLG to review its operational systems, handling capabilities and available equipment.

DCHC presented the terminal’s operational facilities as part of its efforts to demonstrate its capacity to accommodate additional maritime services.

The visit also provided an opportunity to strengthen direct engagement between the terminal operator, the shipping lines and their Egyptian shipping agent.

DCHC considers such engagement an important element of its strategy to attract additional customers and support future growth in container handling activity.

Supporting Egypt’s Maritime and Logistics Strategy

The discussions with SFT and SLG form part of DCHC’s wider efforts to attract additional maritime services and strengthen its position within the Eastern Mediterranean container shipping market.

The company is targeting higher handling volumes, more frequent vessel calls and stronger relationships with international and regional shipping lines.

According to DCHC, these efforts follow directives from Egypt’s Minister of Transport, Kamel El-Wazir, and support the country’s broader maritime development strategy.

That strategy seeks to position Egypt as a regional and global hub for maritime transport, logistics services and transit trade.

For DCHC, expanding cooperation with existing shipping line customers represents one avenue for supporting these objectives. The company aims to build on its established relationships with SFT and SLG while continuing to pursue new maritime services and additional container traffic through Damietta Container Terminal.

Source: Damietta Container & Cargo Handling Co. (DCHC)