As part of the ongoing Sokhna Port development project, which is a key component of the "Sokhna - Dekheila" logistics corridor, the port’s Container Terminal 1, operated by Hutchison Ports, has received the heavy-lift vessel ZHEN HUA 23. This ship, owned by the leading Chinese manufacturer ZPMC, delivered three mega-sized Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes and six automated yard cranes (RTG Cranes). This delivery represents the second and final phase of the crane supply, bringing the total number of operational cranes at the terminal to six STS cranes and 18 RTG cranes.
The newly arrived STS cranes are designed to handle large
cargo vessels, significantly speeding up container handling and improving operational
efficiency. The six RTG cranes operate automatically within the yard, using
smart systems to locate and arrange containers, which reduces human error and
boosts the terminal's operational effectiveness.
The Minister affirmed that Container Terminal 1 will be a fully
smart terminal, with all its operational components—including management
systems, yard cranes, and quay cranes—running on smart systems and advanced
technology to achieve the highest performance rates. The terminal will utilize
advanced operating systems, including: Terminal Operating System (TOS) for
real-time control of container movements, GPS and RFID tracking systems for
precise tracking, centralized control rooms for operating cranes and monitoring
the yard, and environmentally friendly technologies to reduce emissions and
maximize energy efficiency.
Al-Wazir highlighted that the arrival of these mega-cranes is a critical step towards the actual operation of the terminal, aligning with the highest international standards. This will enhance the port’s capacity to receive the largest international shipping lines and solidify Egypt's position as a crucial hub in global supply chains.