Safaga: Noatum Ports, the international ports operating arm of AD Ports Group, has confirmed the delivery of three new ship-to-shore (STS) and six rubber tyred gantry (RTG) cranes to its new multipurpose terminal in Safaga, Egypt. This marks a crucial progression toward the opening of a major new commercial maritime gateway on the Red Sea in southern Egypt later this year.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Super Post-Panamax-class cranes, manufactured by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd (ZPMC), were successfully delivered after being transported by sea from China. The arrival of the cranes signifies the beginning of phased operational activities at Noatum Ports - Safaga Terminal, following the completion of major infrastructure development works.
Strategically situated on Egypt's Red Sea coast, Noatum Ports - Safaga Terminal is set to become the first internationally operated port terminal in the Upper Egypt region. It will serve as a key gateway for the region, enhancing connectivity across Egypt, the Middle East, Africa, and global shipping routes.
The terminal is designed to handle a variety of cargo, including containers, general cargo, dry and liquid bulk, and Ro-Ro cargo. It aims to support regional and international trade flows while delivering high productivity and best-in-class port operations. Additionally, it will play a central role in fostering industrial development across Upper Egypt and the broader Red Sea region, including container trade, project cargo for industrial and green energy infrastructure, and mining logistics.
Mohammed Al Tamimi, CEO of Noatum Ports, stated, "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 encompass approximately 810,000 m², featuring a 1,000-metre quay wall designed to handle up to 450,000 TEUs, alongside 5 million tonnes of dry bulk and general cargo, 1 million tonnes of liquid bulk, and 50,000 CEUs of Ro-Ro cargo. The development includes administration buildings, workshops, warehouses, and authority facilities, supported by comprehensive infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and integrated security systems.
AD Ports Group has invested AED193 million in procuring the cranes for Noatum Ports - Safaga Terminal, which is anticipated to begin operations in the second half of 2026. The cranes are part of a total investment of US$200 million committed by the Group for the Safaga Terminal, following the award in 2023 of a 30-year concession to develop and operate the multipurpose terminal in partnership with Egypt's Red Sea Ports Authority (RSPA).
The project is partially financed through a US$115 million facility from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), with participation from the National Bank of Kuwait - Egypt (NBK - Egypt) and other institutional investors, as announced by the Group in February 2026. The IFC managed co-lending portfolio programme carries a tenor of 15 years, reflecting strong international confidence in AD Ports Group and Egypt's strategic role in the global supply chain.
The new terminal is part of AD Ports Group's broader strategy to develop and operate high-performance port assets across high-growth trade corridors, particularly in Egypt, one of the Group's most important international markets. The successful delivery of the cranes underscores Noatum Ports' long-term commitment to investing in advanced infrastructure and state-of-the-art equipment, reinforcing its role in delivering safe, efficient, and reliable terminal operations worldwide.