Today, Nawatim Ports, a division of Abu Dhabi Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS) focused on international port operations, announced the arrival of three quay cranes and six rubber-tyred gantry cranes at its new multipurpose terminal in Safaga, Egypt. This significant milestone comes ahead of the anticipated opening of this key commercial port on the Red Sea later this year in Upper Egypt.
Abu Dhabi Ports Group has invested AED 193 million to acquire and operate these cranes at the terminal, which is expected to commence operations in the second half of 2026. These cranes are part of a total investment of $200 million that the group has committed to the Safaga terminal, following the signing of a 30-year concession agreement in 2023 with the Red Sea Ports Authority to develop and manage the multipurpose terminal. The project is partially financed by a $115 million loan from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), with contributions from the National Bank of Kuwait – Egypt and other investment entities, as announced by the group in February 2026. This finance is being facilitated through a joint lending portfolio managed by IFC, with a repayment period extending up to 15 years, highlighting the strong international confidence in Abu Dhabi Ports Group’s operational capabilities and the strategic role of Egypt in global supply chains.
The quay cranes, classified as “Super Post-Panamax,” were successfully delivered by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries (ZPMC), a leading global manufacturer of industrial cranes, after being shipped from China. This sets the stage for the initiation of phased operational activities at “Nawatim Ports – Safaga” once the primary infrastructure development is completed.
A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE
Mohammed Al Tamimi, CEO of Nawatim Ports, stated, “The arrival of the quay and gantry cranes today marks a pivotal moment in the operational journey of Nawatim Ports – Safaga ahead of its opening later this year. This terminal will serve as a vital gateway for fostering economic development in the Upper Egypt region. This achievement signifies our transition from the development phase to the operational phase at a strategic and significant location, where the terminal will act as a key portal on the Red Sea, enhancing global trade flows and contributing to Egypt’s economic growth.”
The “Nawatim Ports – Safaga” occupies an area of approximately 810,000 square meters and features a 1,000-meter long quay wall, a container yard capable of handling up to 450,000 TEUs, with a capacity of 5 million tons for general and dry cargo, and 1 million tons for liquid cargo. Additionally, it will have facilities for handling rolling goods with a capacity of 50,000 vehicles. The terminal will also include various amenities such as administrative offices, workshops, storage facilities, and governmental services, all supported by comprehensive infrastructure, including road networks and public service facilities with security and safety systems.
Strategically located on the Red Sea coast, the “Nawatim Ports – Safaga” serves as the first international maritime terminal in Upper Egypt, establishing a vital link between Egypt and broader connections to the Middle East, Africa, and global shipping routes. The terminal is designed for handling containers, general cargo, liquid and dry goods, as well as roll-on/roll-off cargo, thereby supporting regional and international trade flows with high productivity levels, a deep draft suitable for accommodating large vessels, and premier port operations and services. Furthermore, the terminal will play a crucial role in driving industrial development in Upper Egypt and the Red Sea region, facilitating container trade, infrastructure projects for industry and green energy, and logistics services for the mining sector.
This new project aligns with the broader strategy of the group to develop and operate high-performance port facilities and infrastructures across high-growth trade corridors, particularly in Egypt, which has emerged as a key international market for the group. The delivery of the cranes underscores Nawatim Ports’ long-term commitment to investing in advanced infrastructure and modern equipment across its operational portfolio, enhancing its ability to provide safe, efficient, and reliable terminal operations worldwide.