AD Ports Group has commenced trial operations at its new Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal in Egypt, marking a significant milestone ahead of the facility’s full commercial launch later this year.
The trial phase was officially inaugurated during a site visit by Kamel El Wazir, Egypt’s Minister of Transport, and Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group. Senior officials reviewed operational systems, infrastructure, and readiness measures designed to ensure the terminal meets international standards from day one.
The project is being developed under a 30-year concession agreement signed in 2023 between AD Ports Group and the Red Sea Ports Authority for the development and operation of a modern multipurpose terminal at Safaga Port on Egypt’s Red Sea coast.
Speaking during the visit, Minister Kamel El Wazir highlighted the terminal’s strategic importance for Upper Egypt, noting that it will support industrial development, mining activities linked to the Golden Triangle Economic Zone, and enhanced import-export connectivity across the region. He added that the facility is expected to attract investments in logistics, warehousing, processing, assembly, and related industries.
Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi said Egypt remains one of AD Ports Group’s most important international markets and a key gateway within the company’s growing global trade network. He noted that the Safaga Terminal strengthens the Group’s presence along major Red Sea trade routes and reflects its long-term commitment to Egypt’s maritime and logistics sectors.
The Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal will cover approximately 810,000 square metres and feature a 1,000-metre quay wall. Once fully operational, it will have the capacity to handle 450,000 TEUs of container cargo annually, in addition to 5 million tonnes of dry bulk and general cargo, 1 million tonnes of liquid bulk cargo, and 50,000 CEUs of Ro-Ro traffic.
The facility will become the first internationally operated port terminal in Upper Egypt, serving as a vital logistics gateway linking southern Egypt with regional and global shipping networks across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and beyond.
The launch forms part of AD Ports Group’s broader expansion strategy in Egypt and the Red Sea region. Earlier this year, the company received three ship-to-shore cranes and six rubber-tyred gantry cranes for the terminal. The Group has also expanded its presence in Egypt through cruise terminal operations at Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Safaga, ferry services connecting Egypt and Saudi Arabia, and the development of the KEZAD East Port Said Industrial and Logistics Park near the Suez Canal.
In November 2025, AD Ports Group further strengthened its position in Egypt by investing approximately USD 279 million to acquire a 19.3% stake in Alexandria Container & Cargo Handling Company, one of the country’s largest container terminal operators, before moving to secure a majority stake in the company.
