AD Ports Group launches Safaga 2 multipurpose terminal in US$200M Red Sea project
The terminal is also expected to strengthen Egypt’s connectivity with East African markets through a designated African logistics zone.
EGYPT – AD Ports Group has commenced commercial trial operations at its Noatum Ports Safaga Terminal, a US$200 million multipurpose facility spanning 810,000 square metres and equipped with three ship-to-shore cranes and six hybrid RTGs, serving as the first internationally operated port terminal for Upper Egypt.
The launch coincided with the arrival of two vessels: UGR Al Samha from Singapore, carrying 5,000 vehicles, and Sven Prosper from King Abdullah Port, carrying 2,642 TEUs.
Capacity and Infrastructure Specifications
The terminal features a quay wall extending for 1,000-1,100 metres, with a draft of 17 metres. The facility is designed to handle approximately 450,000 TEUs annually, expandable to 2 million TEUs; 5 million tonnes of dry and general cargo, expandable to 7 million tonnes; 1 million tonnes of liquid bulk cargo; and 50,000 car equivalent units of RoRo cargo.
The 17-metre draft accommodates larger vessels carrying refrigerated containers, while hybrid RTG cranes reduce diesel consumption and emissions during reefer handling.
Logistics Corridor Integration and Regional Connectivity
The terminal is part of the integrated Safaga–Qena–Abu Tartour Logistics Corridor, one of Egypt’s eight international logistics corridors designed to transform the country into a regional logistics and transit trade hub.
The route is part of the Southern Arab Trade Corridor, linking Gulf markets with Europe via Egyptian Mediterranean ports, including Safaga Port, NEOM Port, and Jeddah Islamic Port. The terminal is also expected to strengthen Egypt’s connectivity with East African markets through a designated African logistics zone.
Project Financing and Greater Safaga Development
In February 2026, AD Ports Group secured a US$115 million project finance facility backed by the International Finance Corporation to support the development of the Safaga terminal, with participation from the National Bank of Kuwait – Egypt and other institutional investors.
The terminal forms part of the Greater Safaga Port development programme, which includes Safaga 1 (existing port), Safaga 2 (multipurpose terminal), Safaga 3 (dry bulk and RoRo terminal), and Safaga 4 (three new berths and a commercial ship repair yard).
As Egypt aims to rank among the world’s top 15 countries in international trade connectivity by 2030, Safaga 2 will play a central role in achieving that target.
The US$115 million IFC-backed financing package demonstrates international confidence in the project’s commercial viability, while AD Ports Group’s broader investments create an integrated logistics network spanning the Suez Canal, Mediterranean, and Red Sea.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
