Hapag-Lloyd has marked the start of commercial operations at the new Damietta Alliance Container Terminals (DACT) facility in Egypt. Designed with a strong focus on transhipment and electric handling equipment, the terminal is set to strengthen East Mediterranean connections while supporting lower emission port operations.
The 13,117 TEU “Essen Express” became the first Hapag-Lloyd vessel to call at the Damietta Alliance Container Terminals on 14 February, signalling the operational launch of the new hub at Damietta Port.
The facility is a joint venture under Damietta Alliance Container Terminals S.A.E., with shareholders including Hapag-Lloyd Damietta GmbH, represented by Hanseatic Global Terminals, EUROGATE GmbH and Contship Italia S.p.A, alongside Egyptian partners.
“We are pleased to see the Damietta terminal enter commercial operations. It represents an important addition to our global network,” said Juan Pablo Richards, Senior Managing Director Region South Europe at Hapag-Lloyd. “The new hub strengthens our position in the East Mediterranean and enhances our ability to provide customers with reliable, efficient and competitive services across key east-west and regional trade lanes.”
The terminal has been designed primarily for transhipment, with an expected cargo mix of around 80% transhipment and 20% import and export. It will serve the Egyptian market, including Damietta and Greater Cairo, as well as regional markets such as the Levant and the Black Sea. After final construction, total annual capacity is planned to reach 3.3 million TEU.
Dheeraj Bhatia, CEO Hanseatic Global Terminals and Executive Board Member of Hapag-Lloyd, said: “The successful start of operations at our new terminal in the Port of Damietta marks a significant milestone for our terminal portfolio. As we move toward full operations in 2026, this facility will play a key role in strengthening global supply chains, further enhancing the Gemini Cooperation’s industry-leading schedule reliability, and delivering high-quality, efficient services to our customers.”
Covering 93 hectares, the terminal features a 1,670 metre quay with 18 metre water depth. It is equipped with 12 fully electric ship to shore cranes and 40 hybrid rubber tyred gantry cranes, reflecting a focus on energy efficiency and reduced emissions as part of its long term operating model.
