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.
