Egypt’s Damietta Alliance Container Terminal: A New Mediterranean Transshipment Hub
Commercial operations officially began at the Damietta Alliance Container Terminals (DACT) in Egypt on February 14th, marking a significant development in the region’s port infrastructure. The inaugural call by Hapag-Lloyd’s Essen Express, a 13,117 TEU vessel, signals the start of a new era for Mediterranean shipping, and trade.
The Rise of Transshipment in Egypt
DACT is strategically positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for transshipment services, particularly those serving the East Mediterranean, the Levant, and the Black Sea. Designed primarily for this purpose, the terminal anticipates handling approximately 80% transshipment cargo and 20% import/export volume. This focus reflects a broader trend of ports becoming key nodes in global supply chains, facilitating the transfer of goods between larger vessels and smaller feeder ships.
The facility’s location near the Suez Canal is particularly advantageous. As global trade routes evolve, efficient transshipment hubs like DACT become increasingly vital for streamlining container flows, especially for trade between Asia and Europe. The terminal’s capacity of 3.3 million TEU, once fully constructed, will significantly boost Egypt’s ability to handle increasing volumes.
Infrastructure and Technology at DACT
The DACT facility boasts impressive infrastructure, covering 93 hectares with a 1,670-meter quay and an 18-meter water depth. This allows it to accommodate some of the largest container vessels currently in operation. The terminal is equipped with 12 fully electric ship-to-shore cranes, capable of handling 25 rows of containers, and 40 hybrid rubber-tyred gantry cranes.
The integration of electric and hybrid equipment underscores a commitment to sustainability, reducing emissions and aligning with growing environmental concerns within the maritime industry. The presence of six train lanes (two operational at launch) highlights the importance of intermodal connectivity, enabling seamless transfer of cargo to and from inland destinations like Damietta and Greater Cairo.
A Joint Venture for Regional Growth
DACT is the result of a collaborative effort between several key players in the shipping and logistics industry. The joint venture is comprised of Hapag-Lloyd Damietta (39%), EUROGATE (29.956%), and Contship Italia (29.956%), alongside Ship & C.R.E.W. Egypt (1%) and the Middle East Logistics & Consultants Group (0.07%). This partnership demonstrates a shared vision for enhancing regional trade and strengthening Egypt’s position as a logistics hub.
Juan Pablo Richards, Senior Managing Director Region South Europe at Hapag-Lloyd, emphasized that DACT strengthens the company’s position in the East Mediterranean. Dheeraj Bhatia, CEO of Hanseatic Global Terminals, added that the terminal will boost global supply chains and improve schedule reliability.
Future Trends and Implications
The launch of DACT is indicative of several key trends shaping the future of the container shipping industry. Increased vessel sizes require ports to invest in infrastructure capable of handling larger volumes efficiently. The growing emphasis on sustainability is driving the adoption of electric and hybrid equipment. And the necessitate for resilient supply chains is leading to the development of strategically located transshipment hubs.
The terminal’s focus on intermodal connectivity is too crucial. Integrating rail infrastructure with port operations allows for a more efficient and environmentally friendly movement of goods, reducing reliance on road transport. This trend is expected to continue as ports seek to optimize their operations and reduce their carbon footprint.
Did you know? The $600 million investment in DACT underscores the growing importance of Egypt as a strategic location for global trade.
FAQ
What is the capacity of DACT? DACT is planned to have a total capacity of 3.3 million TEU after the final construction phase.
What percentage of cargo will be transshipment? Approximately 80% of the cargo handled at DACT is expected to be transshipment.
Who are the major shareholders of DACT? The major shareholders are Hapag-Lloyd Damietta, EUROGATE, and Contship Italia.
What type of cranes are used at DACT? The terminal is equipped with 12 fully electric ship-to-shore cranes and 40 hybrid rubber-tyred gantry cranes.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on developments at DACT as it expands. Its success will likely influence further investment in Egyptian port infrastructure and logistics capabilities.
Explore more articles on global trade and port infrastructure to stay informed about the latest industry trends. Share your thoughts in the comments below!
