Egypt’s maritime and logistics sector has reached a significant milestone as Red Sea Container Terminals (RSCT) successfully handled its first operational call by a CMA CGM vessel, officially launching commercial operations at the country’s newest container terminal in Sokhna.
This landmark event highlights Egypt’s growing role as a strategic logistics hub at the crossroads of global trade.
A milestone call at Egypt’s first semi-automated container terminal
The container ship MV CMA CGM Tigris made its inaugural call at RSCT this week, with terminal operations completed smoothly and efficiently, involving approximately 3,000 container moves.
Built in 2014, the vessel measures 299.95 metres in length and 48.2 metres in width, demonstrating RSCT’s ability to accommodate large, modern container ships from the outset.
This call represents the first CMA CGM service to operate at RSCT, following the terminal’s official inauguration earlier this month. RSCT confirmed that the successful handling of the vessel reflects the terminal’s full operational readiness as it begins commercial activity.
Commenting on the achievement, Tariq Zaghloul, CMA CGM Egypt & Sudan Cluster CEO, said, “Today marks a proud milestone for CMA CGM Egypt with the operation of CMA CGM Tigris, the first vessel to call at Red Sea Container Terminal (RSCT). This achievement was delivered in just 18 months, a truly remarkable accomplishment in such a short timeframe and stands as a testament to the dedication, professionalism, and teamwork of the CMA CGM Egypt team.”
He added, “This milestone significantly strengthens our value proposition and reflects our commitment to Egypt Vision 2030 and to supporting Egypt’s ambition to become a key regional and international logistics hub.”
The vessel call follows the recent grand opening of RSCT, which has been described as Egypt’s first semi-automated container terminal. The facility has been developed by a consortium comprising Hutchison Ports, CMA CGM and COSCO SHIPPING Ports, bringing together global expertise in port development and terminal operations.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior government officials, including Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Transport, Trade and Industry Kamel El-Wazir, and Walid Gamal Eldin, Chairman of the Suez Canal Economic Zone, alongside executives from leading international shipping and port groups.
Strategically located near the southern entrance of the Suez Canal, RSCT is designed to support advanced semi-automated operations, operational efficiency and sustainable port practices.
The terminal is expected to enhance Egypt’s container handling capacity, improve trade connectivity and support the country’s wider logistics and industrial development objectives under Egypt Vision 2030.
With the first CMA CGM service now operational, RSCT is expected to progressively expand its activity as additional shipping lines begin regular calls at the Sokhna-based terminal, further strengthening Egypt’s position in regional and global maritime trade.