Noatum Ports has taken delivery of three ship-to-shore and six rubber tyred gantry cranes for its Safaga terminal in Egypt, marking the shift into operational readiness ahead of its planned 2026 start, according to AD Ports Group.
The Super Post-Panamax units, built by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co Ltd, have been installed following completion of core infrastructure works, triggering phased operational activity at the Red Sea site.
The project positions Safaga as the first internationally operated terminal in Upper Egypt, targeting cargo flows across the Red Sea and linking inland industrial zones to global shipping routes.
Mohammed Al Tamimi, chief executive of Noatum Ports, said: “The arrival of the STS and RTG cranes marks a key operational milestone for Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal, ahead of its opening later this year as a major gateway for economic development in southern Egypt. This milestone signals the transition from development to operations at a strategically important location. The terminal will serve as a key Red Sea gateway, supporting global trade flows and contributing to Egypt’s economic growth.”
The terminal will span about 810,000 sq m with a 1,000-metre quay and capacity for 450,000 TEU, alongside 5m tonnes of dry bulk and general cargo, 1m tonnes of liquid bulk and 50,000 CEU of ro-ro cargo.
AD Ports Group has allocated AED 193m (approximately $52.5m) for the crane package within a total $200m investment tied to a 30-year concession awarded in 2023 with Egypt’s Red Sea Ports Authority.
A $115m financing facility led by the International Finance Corporation, with participation from National Bank of Kuwait – Egypt and other investors, supports the project on a 15-year tenor.
The Safaga development sits within AD Ports Group’s international expansion strategy focused on high-growth corridors, with Egypt identified as a core market.
Noatum Ports is an international terminal operator and a subsidiary of AD Ports Group, focused on port management and development across multiple geographies.
AD Ports Group is an Abu Dhabi-based trade, logistics and transport operator integrating ports, industrial zones and maritime services.
Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co Ltd is a Chinese engineering manufacturer specialising in heavy port equipment and container handling systems.
