Noatum Ports, the international operating arm of AD Ports Group, has reached a key milestone in its Egypt expansion with the delivery of advanced equipment to its multipurpose terminal in Safaga.
The company confirmed the arrival of three ship-to-shore (STS) cranes and six rubber tyred gantry (RTG) cranes, positioning the terminal for phased operational readiness ahead of its official launch in the second half of 2026.
The delivery signals a transition from infrastructure development to early-stage operations at what is set to become a major commercial maritime gateway on the Red Sea.
The Super Post-Panamax-class cranes, manufactured by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co Ltd, were transported from China and successfully installed at the site.
These high-capacity cranes are designed to handle large container vessels efficiently, supporting high productivity and modern port operations.
Located on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, the Noatum Ports–Safaga Terminal is poised to become the first internationally operated port facility in Upper Egypt.
The terminal is strategically positioned to enhance connectivity between Egypt, the Middle East, Africa, and key global shipping routes.
Designed as a multipurpose facility, the terminal will handle containers, general cargo, dry and liquid bulk, as well as roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) shipments.
It is expected to play a central role in facilitating industrial growth across southern Egypt, including logistics for mining, infrastructure, and green energy projects.
Capacity and infrastructure to drive trade growth
Spanning approximately 810,000 square meters, the terminal will feature a 1,000-meter quay wall and is expected to handle up to 450,000 TEUs annually.
In addition, it will support 5 million tonnes of dry bulk and general cargo, 1 million tonnes of liquid bulk, and 50,000 car equivalent units (CEUs) of Ro-Ro cargo.
The development also includes administrative buildings, warehouses, workshops, and integrated infrastructure such as roads, utilities, and advanced security systems, ensuring seamless and efficient operations.
AD Ports Group has invested $52.6 million (AED193 million) in procuring the cranes, forming part of a broader $200 million commitment to the Safaga Terminal project.
The development follows the award of a 30-year concession in 2023 in partnership with the Red Sea Ports Authority.
The project has attracted strong international financial support, including a $115 million financing facility led by the International Finance Corporation, with participation from the National Bank of Kuwait-Egypt (NBK-Egypt) and other institutional investors.
The 15-year financing structure reflects confidence in both AD Ports Group’s operational capabilities and Egypt’s strategic importance in global trade networks.
Mohammed Al Tamimi Noatum Ports CEO
“The arrival of the STS and RTG cranes marks a key operational milestone for Noatum Ports—Safaga Terminal, ahead of its opening later this year as a major gateway for economic development in southern Egypt. This milestone signals the transition from development to operations at a strategically important location. The terminal will serve as a key Red Sea gateway, supporting global trade flows and contributing to Egypt’s economic growth.”
The Safaga Terminal forms part of AD Ports Group’s broader strategy to expand high-performance port infrastructure across high-growth markets, with Egypt emerging as a critical hub in its international portfolio.
