What Kpler data shows about two new Egyptian terminals: RSCT Sokhna and Damietta Alliance

Egypt's container terminal landscape is expanding with two new facilities entering commercial operations in early 2026. Red Sea Container Terminals (RSCT) in Sokhna and Damietta Alliance Container Terminals (DACT) at the Port of Damietta have both launched scheduled vessel calls within days of each other. 

Through Kpler's Container Intelligence platform, we traced vessel movements, terminal-level timestamps, and forward schedules to provide a detailed operational picture of both facilities during their initial commercial phase.

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Overview of Egypt's new container terminal landscape

The simultaneous launch of RSCT and DACT represents a significant expansion of Egypt's container handling capacity along strategic Red Sea and Mediterranean corridors. Both terminals aim to capture growing container volumes and offer alternatives to established regional hubs. Understanding their early operational patterns helps shippers, carriers, and logistics planners assess routing options and anticipate capacity availability.

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RSCT Sokhna terminal overview

Red Sea Container Terminals in Sokhna has begun handling scheduled commercial vessel calls as part of its operational ramp-up. Located along the Red Sea, RSCT positions itself as a gateway for cargo moving between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

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Operational characteristics at RSCT

The vessel call timeline at RSCT shows a measured approach to commercial operations:

• Regular spacing between vessel departures and subsequent arrivals
• Typically one vessel alongside at a time during the observed period
• No evidence of multiple vessels competing for berth space within compressed time windows
• Minimal anchorage waiting prior to berthing

This operational pattern indicates a controlled ramp-up phase. The terminal is not yet operating at the density levels seen at mature regional hubs, where overlapping vessel calls and tight scheduling are common.

Congestion and capacity signals

As of 18 February 2026, RSCT demonstrates several indicators of available capacity:

• No extended anchorage accumulation offshore
• No visible queue buildup in terminal timestamps
• Berthing events occur without significant delays
• Forward schedule data shows manageable vessel spacing

When compared with neighbouring container hubs that display dense call stacking and overlapping alongside events, RSCT's current activity remains relatively light. This suggests the terminal has room to absorb additional vessel calls as carrier commitments increase.

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DACT Launch and initial activity

Damietta Alliance Container Terminals formally launched commercial operations at the Port of Damietta just days after RSCT's operational footprint became visible in tracking data. Located on Egypt's Mediterranean coast, DACT serves as an alternative gateway for European and Mediterranean trade routes.

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First vessel calls at DACT

Based on operational data from Kpler, DACT recorded its inaugural commercial calls in mid-February 2026:

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The Amalthea holds the distinction of being DACT's first commercial vessel call. Its scheduled return on 26 February indicates the establishment of a regular service rotation calling at the new terminal.

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Early operational patterns

DACT's initial activity demonstrates several characteristics typical of a new terminal launch:

• Immediate establishment of scheduled service calls
• Repeat vessel scheduling visible in forward data within two weeks of launch
• Larger vessel capacity (13,117 TEU for Essen Express) indicating carrier confidence
• Quick succession of vessel calls following commercial opening

The rapid appearance of repeat scheduling in forward data suggests carriers have committed vessel rotations to the terminal rather than conducting one-off trial calls.

‍Implications for regional shipping and trade

The launch of RSCT and DACT introduces additional capacity and routing flexibility to Egypt's container network, with several implications for regional shipping patterns.

Capacity expansion in strategic locations

Both terminals add significant handling capacity along critical trade corridors:

• RSCT expands Red Sea options for Asia-Europe cargo flows.
• DACT provides a Mediterranean alternative for European and North African trade.
• Combined capacity reduces dependency on established hub terminals.

Impact on existing terminal networks

The new terminals create competitive pressure on neighbouring facilities:

• Carriers gain negotiating leverage through alternative terminal options.
• Established terminals may adjust pricing or service offerings.
• Cargo routing patterns may shift based on terminal performance and carrier preferences.

Future outlook for RSCT and DACT

As both terminals progress beyond their initial commercial phase, several developments bear watching with Kpler’s Container Intelligence solution:

• Call frequency increases: How quickly do carriers add vessels to their terminal rotations?
• Berth utilisation: When do multiple vessels begin overlapping at berth?
• Anchorage patterns: Do waiting times emerge as call density increases?
• Service diversity: Which alliances and services commit to regular calls?
• Operational efficiency: How do vessel turnaround times compare to regional benchmarks?

Summary and key takeaways

Both RSCT Sokhna and DACT Damietta have successfully transitioned to commercial operations in early 2026, marking a significant expansion of Egypt's container terminal capacity.

• ‍RSCT Sokhna demonstrates a structured, controlled ramp-up with low berth pressure and no visible congestion signals. The terminal shows regular vessel spacing, minimal anchorage waiting, and available capacity to absorb additional calls.‍
• DACT Damietta has recorded its first commercial vessel calls with repeat scheduling already visible in forward data, indicating carrier commitment to regular service rotations.

What to monitor moving forward

As both terminals mature, operational data will reveal:

• How quickly vessel call frequency increases.
• Whether congestion signals emerge as capacity fills.
• Which carriers and alliances establish regular service commitments.
• How the terminals' performance compares to established regional hubs.

The coming months will demonstrate whether RSCT and DACT can successfully capture market share and establish themselves as reliable alternatives within Egypt's container terminal network. Through continuous monitoring of vessel calls, terminal timestamps, and forward schedules, supply chain professionals can track this evolution in real time and adjust their logistics strategies accordingly.

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Forward schedule visibility through container tracking software

Kpler's Container Intelligence platform provides users with forward-looking schedule data that extends beyond current vessel positions. This capability allows logistics planners to:

• Assess expected vessel arrivals over the coming weeks
• Compare activity levels across alternative terminals in the region
• Evaluate routing options based on terminal capacity and scheduling
• Monitor how vessel call frequency evolves as the terminal matures

The platform delivers a global view of terminal operations, enabling users to contextualise RSCT's activity within the broader Red Sea and Mediterranean network. This visibility supports more informed decision-making for cargo routing and carrier selection.