The Damietta Alliance Container Terminal (DACT) has started commercial operations. Hapag-Lloyd’s “Essen Express” (13,117 TEU) made the first call.
“This launch strengthens our presence in the Mediterranean and North Africa,” said Matthieu Gasselin, CEO of Contship. “We plan to expand intermodal links in Damietta and Greater Cairo to support international trade.”
Terminal Facts:
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Capacity: 3.3 million TEU (final phase)
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Cargo mix: 80% transshipment, 20% import/export
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Size: 93 hectares, 1,670 m quay, 18 m water depth
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Equipment: 12 electric ship-to-shore cranes, 40 hybrid RTG cranes, spreaders, lashing cages, out-of-gauge frames, six train lanes (two active)
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Investment: USD 600+ million
DACT serves Egypt and regional markets including the Levant and Black Sea. The terminal focuses on safety, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Electric and hybrid cranes reduce emissions.
Ownership:
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Hapag-Lloyd Damietta GmbH (39%)
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EUROGATE Damietta GmbH (29.5%)
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Contship Damietta S.p.A. (29.5%)
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Ship & C.R.E.W. Egypt S.A.E. (1%)
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Middle East Logistics & Consultants Group (1%)
Juan Pablo Richards, Hapag-Lloyd, said: “DACT strengthens our East Mediterranean network and improves trade lane efficiency.”
Dheeraj Bhatia, Hanseatic Global Terminals, added: “By 2026, DACT will boost global supply chains, improve schedule reliability, and deliver high-quality services.”
The terminal engages local communities and stakeholders to ensure sustainable operations.
