Eastern Mediterranean

Shipping Arabia, November 7, 2026 – Egypt’s Trans Misr Terminal (TMT) has completed its first-ever breakbulk transshipment operation, marking a milestone in the terminal’s expansion into specialized cargo handling and regional transshipment services.

The operation involved three breakbulk units, each measuring 22 meters in length. The cargo was discharged from MV CMA CGM TIGA, temporarily stored at TMT, and subsequently loaded onto the connecting vessel, MV CMA CGM HERMES.

According to TMT, the successful operation reflects its growing capability to manage specialized cargo, provide flexible storage solutions, and coordinate complex transshipment activities. The terminal described the achievement as an important step toward expanding its service portfolio and strengthening its position as an emerging regional transshipment hub.

First Breakbulk Transshipment at Trans Misr Terminal

The first breakbulk transshipment at Trans Misr Terminal required the coordinated handling of three large cargo units between two vessels, with an intermediate storage phase at the terminal.

The process began with the discharge of the units from MV CMA CGM TIGA. TMT then accommodated the cargo in temporary storage before transferring it onto MV CMA CGM HERMES for onward transportation.

TMT confirmed that its operational teams coordinated the different stages of the shipment to ensure safe execution. The operation demonstrated the terminal’s ability to manage specialized cargo movements involving vessel discharge, temporary storage, and subsequent reloading.

The achievement also highlighted the importance of coordination between terminal departments when handling cargo that requires dedicated operational planning and specialized handling arrangements.

Expanding Specialized Cargo-Handling Capabilities

TMT identified the milestone as evidence of its developing capabilities beyond conventional cargo-handling services. In particular, the operation demonstrated its ability to accommodate breakbulk shipments and support transshipment activities involving specialized cargo.

The terminal emphasized that flexible storage solutions formed an important part of the operation. By accommodating the three units between vessel calls, TMT demonstrated its capacity to support cargo transfers requiring intermediate storage.

According to the company, successfully completing the shipment represents another step in broadening its range of terminal services. It also reinforces TMT’s efforts to develop the operational capabilities needed to handle different cargo types and increasingly complex transshipment requirements.

The terminal credited the combined efforts of its operational teams for the successful execution of the shipment. It also acknowledged the contribution of its customers and partners to the achievement.

Strengthening Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Connectivity

Beyond the operational milestone, TMT highlighted the importance of the shipment to its broader regional development objectives.

The company stated that expanding its cargo-handling portfolio supports its role in connecting major trade routes and facilitating cargo flows between key markets. It also identified maritime connectivity across the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond as a central part of its development strategy.

TMT considers the completion of its first breakbulk transshipment an important step toward its ambition of becoming a leading multipurpose terminal and regional logistics hub.

The operation adds a new capability to its service portfolio, demonstrating its ability to coordinate specialized cargo transfers between connecting vessels while supporting its broader transshipment objectives.

Source: Trans Misr Terminal (TMT)

Shipping Arabia, October 13, 2026 – Damietta Container & Cargo Handling Co. (DCHC) has welcomed MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company’s new HIMALAYA service, establishing a weekly shipping connection linking India with the Eastern Mediterranean through Damietta Container Terminal and extending to Western European ports in Spain and Portugal. The service adds to the terminal’s expanding network of international container shipping connections and supports its efforts to attract additional cargo volumes.

The first vessel operating under the new service, MSC SIENA, arrived at Damietta Container Terminal on Thursday, October 8, 2026, marking the inaugural call of HIMALAYA at the facility. The service will operate on a weekly basis, strengthening the terminal’s connections with international shipping markets.

The introduction of HIMALAYA follows continued marketing efforts by DCHC to attract global shipping lines and expand its portfolio of regular maritime services. According to the company, the addition reflects its operational capabilities, modern infrastructure and ability to accommodate larger container vessels.

MSC Expands Its Service Network at Damietta Container Terminal

The launch of the MSC HIMALAYA service represents a further expansion of cooperation between Damietta Container & Cargo Handling Co. and MSC, one of the international shipping lines operating at the terminal.

HIMALAYA is the second new MSC service recently introduced at DCHC, following the addition of the EMUSA service. Together, these developments expand the range of MSC shipping services calling at Damietta Container Terminal and strengthen the commercial relationship between the terminal operator and the shipping line.

DCHC highlighted that the continued expansion of MSC’s services reflects confidence in the terminal’s operational infrastructure and its ability to accommodate the requirements of international container shipping.

The company has continued developing its service network through marketing initiatives aimed at attracting additional global shipping lines and scheduled services. These efforts seek to increase container handling volumes and improve the utilization of the terminal’s infrastructure and operational resources.

The new HIMALAYA connection adds India, the Eastern Mediterranean and Western European ports in Spain and Portugal to the service’s geographical coverage through Damietta.

With weekly calls now scheduled, the service represents another addition to the terminal’s regular shipping activities and its role in handling international container traffic.

MSC SIENA Marks Inaugural HIMALAYA Service Call

The inaugural HIMALAYA service call took place on October 8, when MSC SIENA berthed at Damietta Container Terminal.

To mark the occasion, a delegation from Damietta Container & Cargo Handling Co. boarded the vessel and met with its master and crew. The visit formed part of the company’s efforts to maintain close communication and cooperation with shipping lines and the crews of vessels calling at the terminal.

During the visit, the delegation conveyed greetings from Rear Admiral Dr. Rafik Galal, Executive Managing Director of DCHC, and the company’s employees. The delegation welcomed the arrival of MSC SIENA and the introduction of the new weekly service.

The company described the inaugural call as an important addition to the terminal’s maritime service network, supporting its ongoing cooperation with MSC and efforts to expand container handling activities.

DCHC Highlights Infrastructure and Large-Vessel Handling Capabilities

Commenting on the new service, Rafik Galal said the introduction of HIMALAYA represents an important development in the terminal’s shipping network.

He emphasized that DCHC continues to focus on developing its services and maximizing the use of its operational capabilities and modern infrastructure. These efforts are intended to keep pace with changes in vessel sizes and the evolving operational requirements of international shipping lines.

Galal also highlighted the continued expansion of MSC’s services at Damietta Container Terminal as evidence of the strong cooperation between the two companies.

According to the executive managing director, the terminal’s ability to accommodate and operate services involving larger container vessels supports its efforts to attract more shipping connections and increase container throughput.

He added that expanding the terminal’s service portfolio would contribute to strengthening DCHC’s competitiveness and supporting its position as a regional hub for container handling in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The company views the continued development of its maritime services as an important part of its strategy to enhance operational performance and attract additional container traffic.

Supporting Egypt’s Maritime Transport and Logistics Strategy

DCHC stated that its efforts to expand international shipping connections form part of wider initiatives to develop Egypt’s maritime transport and logistics sector.

The company linked its service expansion and infrastructure development activities to the directives of Egypt’s Minister of Transport, Kamel El-Wazir, and the government’s vision of positioning Egypt as a regional and global hub for maritime transport, logistics services and transshipment trade.

Within this framework, DCHC continues working to strengthen the capabilities of Damietta Container Terminal and expand its relationships with international shipping lines.

The addition of HIMALAYA, following the recently introduced EMUSA service, reflects the ongoing development of MSC’s operational presence at the terminal.

Through these new services, Damietta Container & Cargo Handling Co. aims to increase container handling volumes, improve the utilization of its facilities and strengthen its competitive position within the Eastern Mediterranean container shipping market.

Source: Damietta Container & Cargo Handling Co.

Shipping Arabia, September 28, 2026 – Damietta Container & Cargo Handling Co. has added MSC’s EMUSA service to its weekly schedule, strengthening maritime connectivity between the Eastern Mediterranean, Europe and the United States.

The agreement with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Co. will see the EMUSA service call at the terminal every week. The development forms part of the company’s efforts to diversify its maritime and logistics services and attract additional global shipping lines and liner services.

Damietta Container & Cargo Handling Co. said it continues to pursue commercial and operational initiatives aimed at expanding the range of services calling at the terminal. The company is supporting those efforts with its infrastructure, operational capabilities and capacity to handle large vessels in line with the requirements of global shipping lines.

MSC MOMBASA Marks First EMUSA Call

The first EMUSA service call took place on Monday, September 21, 2026, when MSC MOMBASA berthed at Container Berth No. 1.

Adm. Dr. Rafik Galal Ibrahim, CEO of Damietta Container & Cargo Handling Co., said the call marked the start of weekly EMUSA operations at the terminal and represented a new addition to its network of liner services.

He said the new service would support the company’s efforts to increase handling volumes and broaden cooperation with major global shipping lines.

Terminal Records Strong Vessel Productivity

Operations on MSC MOMBASA began at 3:30 a.m. on September 21 and were completed at 11:00 p.m. the same day.

The terminal deployed ship-to-shore gantry cranes for the operation and recorded average productivity of around 27 container moves per crane per hour. Overall vessel productivity reached approximately 85 containers per hour.

The company said the results reflected the terminal’s operational efficiency and its ability to achieve vessel-handling performance levels that meet the requirements of international shipping lines.

Expanding Damietta’s Liner Service Network

Damietta Container & Cargo Handling Co. said it will continue its marketing and operational efforts to attract additional maritime services.

The company said its infrastructure and operational capabilities support its ability to receive large vessels and meet the evolving requirements of global carriers. It also linked the expansion of its service network to efforts to strengthen its competitiveness and its role in container handling across the Eastern Mediterranean.

The development comes in implementation of directives from Egypt’s Minister of Transport, Kamel El-Wazir, and in line with the national vision of strengthening Egypt’s position as a regional and global center for maritime transport, logistics services and transit trade.

Source: Damietta Container & Cargo Handling Co.