Damietta Port has welcomed the ultra-large container vessel Mette Maersk at the Tahya Misr 1 Container Terminal, marking another significant milestone that underscores the Egyptian gateway’s growing capability to handle some of the world’s largest container ships.
Sailing under the Danish flag, Mette Maersk measures 399 metres in length, 60 metres in width, with a 16.1-metre draft and a gross tonnage of 194,849, making it one of the largest container vessels currently operating on global trade routes.
During its port call, a total of 4,491 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) were handled at the Tahya Misr 1 Terminal, highlighting the increasing operational activity at the facility since the commencement of its trial commercial operations earlier this year.
The successful handling of the vessel also demonstrated Damietta Port’s capability to efficiently accommodate ultra-large container ships through its advanced operational systems and the coordinated efforts of marine pilots, vessel traffic management teams, marine services personnel and mooring crews.
Rear Admiral Tarek Adly Abdullah, Chairman of the Damietta Port Authority, said the vessel’s arrival reflects the success of the port’s comprehensive development programme, which has significantly enhanced its competitiveness and strengthened its position as a leading maritime hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.
He noted that Damietta Port’s strategic location along major international shipping routes, combined with modern infrastructure and continuous investment, enables it to respond effectively to the evolving requirements of global maritime transport and container shipping.
The Tahya Misr 1 Terminal forms a cornerstone of the port’s expansion strategy, featuring state-of-the-art berths, advanced cargo handling equipment and smart operating systems that support faster vessel turnaround and higher container handling productivity.
Designed specifically to accommodate ultra-large container vessels, the terminal is expected to further enhance Damietta Port’s competitiveness among major Mediterranean transshipment hubs.
Meanwhile, Damietta Port Authority continues to implement several infrastructure development projects, including berth expansions, new terminal construction and dredging of the navigation channel and turning basin, enabling the port to receive future generations of even larger container vessels.
The arrival of Mette Maersk also reflects the growing confidence of leading global shipping lines in Damietta Port’s infrastructure, operational efficiency and strategic role in strengthening regional container connectivity and facilitating international trade.
