The new Damietta Alliance Container Terminal (DACT) has officially commenced commercial operations. The inaugural call was made by Hapag-Lloyd’s “Essen Express” (13,117 TEU) on Saturday, 14 February, at the Port of Damietta.
Tom Eckelmann, CEO of EUROGATE, described the launch as a “very special moment.” After several years of intensive work, a modern, high-performance container terminal is now entering service. Together with its partners, DACT aims to establish itself as the leading hub terminal of the Gemini Cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The terminal is primarily designed for transshipment traffic and has an annual handling capacity of up to 3.3 million TEU. The expected cargo mix consists of around 80 percent transshipment and 20 percent import and export cargo. In addition to serving the Egyptian market—including Damietta and Greater Cairo—the terminal will also cater to regional markets in the Levant and the Black Sea region.
The facility covers approximately 93 hectares, with a quay length of 1,670 meters and a water depth of 18 meters. Its technical equipment includes twelve fully electric ship-to-shore cranes with an outreach of 25 rows, as well as 40 hybrid rubber-tyred gantry cranes. The infrastructure is complemented by modern handling equipment, lashing cages, overheight frames, and a rail connection with six tracks, two of which are already operational.
The terminal is operated by Damietta Alliance Container Terminals S.A.E., a joint venture comprising Hapag-Lloyd Damietta GmbH (39%, represented by Hanseatic Global Terminals), EUROGATE Damietta GmbH (29.5%), CONTSHIP Damietta S.p.A. (29.5%), as well as Ship & C.R.E.W. Egypt S.A.E. (1%) and Middle East Logistics & Consultants Group (1%).
More than US$600 million has been invested in the first phase of the project. Particular emphasis is placed on occupational safety, environmental compatibility, and energy efficiency. The use of electric and hybrid cargo-handling equipment is intended to reduce emissions and ensure more sustainable terminal operations. In addition, DACT is committed to maintaining an open dialogue with local communities and stakeholders in Damietta.
