Dutch consultancy and engineering group DHV has completed its master plan for a new port and industrial complex to be developed to the East of Port Said, Egypt. Port Said is located on the Mediterranean side of the Suez Canal, through which 30% of the world’s container transport and 13% of the world’s trade flows. Dutch research and consultancy firm ECORYS and Nile Consultants of Egypt are partners in the project. Egypt’s Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif has presented the plan to interested investors and port-based companies.

Rotterdam in Egypt

Thanks to the port’s unique location on the entrance to the Suez Canal and the large amount of land available for construction, the project is set to play a pivotal role in Egypt’s economic development. ‘This is one of the most promising port projects in the world, as we have the opportunity to start from scratch, so to speak. Usually we are asked to develop solutions for part of a project, but now we can devise a comprehensive plan from the outset,’ says DHV project manager Wim Klomp. The total area to be developed covers some 120 square kilometers, making it comparable in size to the port site at Rotterdam, one of the largest ports in the world.

World-class port

Because of the port’s ideal location, companies are eager to invest in the area. The master plan includes DHV’s recommendations for developing the port and industrial complex, which has been divided into several industry-specific clusters. ‘Having a presence here is particularly important to international companies with markets in North Africa, Europe and Western Asia,’ says Klomp. ‘The presence of the industrial zone is a major advantage. We are seeing strong interest from companies in the logistics, automotive, petrochemical, textiles and electrical appliances industries.’

Future development

Additional major investments are planned at a later stage, including expansion of the city of Port Said, construction of a tunnel linking the port complex to the city, and an upgrade of the infrastructure linking Port Said to Cairo. ‘Today, Port Said East Port is the site of a highly successful container terminal,’ notes Klomp. ‘In 15 to 20 years’ time, ten additional terminals will be constructed, including oil terminals, Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo) terminals and multi-purpose terminals. Besides the transshipment of cargo, the port will also be used to transport goods to and from the industrial zone in the future.’

DHV was commissioned by the Port Said Port Authority (PSPA) to draw up the master plan in September 2007.