Abu Dhabi Ports launches trial operations at Safaga terminal in Egypt
Abu Dhabi Ports has begun trial operations at the Safaga terminal in Egypt under a 30-year concession, preparing a multi-purpose hub for containers, vehicles and bulk cargo.
Trial operations begin at Safaga terminal
Abu Dhabi Ports announced the start of trial operations at the Safaga terminal yesterday as preparatory steps toward full commercial activity later this year. The trial phase follows a formal handover and on-site inspection by Egypt’s transport minister and the chief executive of Abu Dhabi Ports.
The opening move signals the early commissioning of berths, cargo handling equipment and yard operations that will be scaled up during subsequent months. Officials described the exercise as critical to validating systems, safety procedures and supply-chain connectivity before full operations commence.
Officials inspect new multi-purpose facility
Egypt’s Minister of Transport, Kamel El‑Wazir, joined Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, for a guided tour of the new terminal facilities. The inspection reviewed quayside infrastructure, storage areas and vehicle and container handling zones ahead of commercial ramp-up.
Both delegations emphasised cooperation on operational readiness and alignment with national logistics objectives. The joint visit underscored the role of the terminal within a broader programme of port investments along Egypt’s Red Sea coast.
30-year concession frames development and operations
The Safaga terminal is being delivered under a 30‑year concession agreement signed in 2023 with the Red Sea Ports Authority. The long-term concession grants Abu Dhabi Ports responsibility for developing, operating and maintaining the multi-purpose facility over the contract period.
Under the agreement the developer will manage terminal operations, berth maintenance and cargo throughput planning, while coordinating with Egyptian port authorities. The concession structure is intended to attract additional trade flows and private-sector investment into the region’s maritime economy.
Terminal capacity and infrastructure details
The development occupies roughly 810,000 square metres and features a quay wall extending up to 1,000 metres in length. Design capacity for the facility includes handling five million tonnes of general and dry bulk cargo annually alongside one million tonnes of liquid bulk, according to the project outline.
The terminal’s container handling capability is set at approximately 450,000 TEU per year, supported by dedicated yard space and quay cranes. A separate vehicle handling area is planned with capacity to process around 50,000 cars annually, enhancing Egypt’s roll‑on/roll‑off and import distribution capabilities.
Economic and trade implications for the Red Sea corridor
Industry analysts say the Safaga terminal will bolster Egypt’s role as a regional logistics hub and provide alternative routing for trade along the Red Sea corridor. Increased capacity for containers, bulk and vehicles is expected to relieve pressure on nearby ports and support growing trade between Asia, Africa and Europe.
The terminal’s multi-purpose design offers flexibility for a mix of cargo types, which can help absorb seasonal surges and diversions. Abu Dhabi Ports has framed the project as part of its global network expansion, linking Safaga to hubs in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and South America.
Next steps and timeline toward full operation
With trial operations underway, the project will proceed through staged commissioning, operational testing and regulatory approvals before full commercial service. Authorities indicated that the phased process will continue through the remainder of the year as systems are validated and service contracts are finalised.
Operational readiness activities will include crew training, terminal operating system integration and trial berthing of commercial vessels. Stakeholders said further announcements on commercial schedules and customer services will follow once the terminal achieves stable trial performance.
The Safaga trial represents a significant addition to regional port capacity and a high‑profile collaboration between Abu Dhabi Ports and Egyptian authorities, setting the stage for increased trade flows and wider logistics integration across the Red Sea.
