Bur Said, Egypt
Port Said, a pivotal gateway to the Suez Canal, symbolizes Egypt's maritime and national resilience.
Port Overview
Bur Said (Port Said) is located in northeast Egypt at the northern entrance of the Suez Canal, stretching about 30 km along the Mediterranean coast. It ranks among Egypt’s largest and busiest ports, serving as a vital gateway between Africa, Asia, and Europe. Its strategic position at the canal’s mouth makes it crucial for global maritime trade and transshipment. Port Said handles over 3 million TEUs annually, placing it among the top container ports in the region and reinforcing its importance in international shipping and logistics.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Bur Said (Port Said), Egypt, features major terminals including the Suez Canal Container Terminal (SCCT) for transshipment, multipurpose, Ro-Ro, dry bulk, and cruise terminals. Key cargo facilities handle containers, general cargo, dry and liquid bulk, and vehicles. Equipment includes ship-to-shore gantry cranes, mobile cranes, and advanced yard handling systems. While AGVs are not specifically mentioned, the port is equipped for high-capacity, efficient cargo movement and vessel servicing.
Container Terminals
Bur Said, or Port Said, features several container terminals, notably East Port Said, which is highly ranked globally. The terminals have a combined capacity of millions of TEUs annually. Major operators include Suez Canal Container Terminal. Automation levels are increasing with ongoing expansions, such as the addition of electric cranes and equipment. The terminals support a range of cargo types and are strategically located on the Suez Canal.
Port Services
Main services at Bur Said (Port Said), Egypt, include:
- Container Handling: Modern container terminals for efficient cargo management.
- Cargo Operations: Comprehensive handling of bulk, breakbulk, and Ro-Ro cargo.
- Ship Services: Fuel supply, medical services, and ship repair facilities.
- Warehousing: Storage facilities for various types of cargo.
- Customs: Efficient customs clearance processes for international trade.
Global Connectivity
Port Said serves as Egypt's gateway at the northern entrance of the Suez Canal, connecting Mediterranean and Red Sea trade routes. The port links to major Egyptian cities through three highways: a 257 km coastal road to Alexandria, a 215 km desert route to Cairo, and a 53 km route to Damietta. Railway connections provide service to Cairo (4 hours) and Alexandria (6 hours). As a multipurpose facility handling containers, bulk, and breakbulk cargo, Port Said facilitates global shipping transit through the Suez Canal, serving as a critical junction between Europe, Asia, and Africa markets.
Port Statistics
Port Said (Bur Said), Egypt - Key Statistics
Throughput Performance: Port Said handled 3.9 million TEU in 2024, representing approximately 50% of Egypt's total container traffic. The port experienced a slight decline of 1.8% compared to the previous year.
Global Ranking: East Port Said achieved 3rd place globally in the World Bank's Container Port Performance Index 2024, up from 10th in 2022, and ranks 1st in the MENA region.
Capacity: The Suez Canal Container Terminal's Phase 3 expansion brings total installed capacity to 6.6 million TEU annually, with operations beginning in 2025.
Operations: The terminal is operated by APM Terminals (A.P. Moller-Maersk) and serves as a major transshipment hub at the Mediterranean entrance of the Suez Canal, handling Asia-Europe trade routes.
