Maersk expects Egyptian action on Suez project

Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn
Email

In a bid to enhance the Suez Canal Container Terminal’s (SCCT) capacity to facilitate  mega-ships, Maersk has called on the Egyptian government to adhere to its previous commitment to finance and execute deepening works at the Suez Canal’s main entrance to the SCCT.

SCCT needs public infrastructure enhancements to expand, however, the Egyptian government is no longer enthusiastic to proceed.

According to Maersk, the enhanced infrastructure is required in order to maximise use of the terminal’s current capacity, but also to expand its capacity to receive larger container vessels.

The original agreement between SCCT and the Egyptian government in 1998 stated that the latter would invest and execute any deepening needed for the SCCT by 2004, according to Ahram Online.

With the investment, the terminal would be able to handle 1,000-1,500 more containers than its current capacity. 

According to commercial chief executive of SCCT Lars Koch-Soelyst, in order for SCCT to grow, the company needs to build a bigger terminal and install bigger cranes in order to receive bigger vessels and remain competitive.

Koch-Soelyst said: “Right now, we are discussing this issue with the Egyptian authorities. We are hopeful of a solution in the near future. And we are willing to get into an agreement where we could either do in part or in full this investment but I can’t say that the government is enthusiastic about it.”

Daily Email Newsletter

Sign up to our daily email newsletter to receive the latest news from Port Technology International.
FREE

Supplier Directory

Find out how to get listed

Webinar Series

Find out how to attend

Latest Stories

Cookie Policy. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.