Port of Egypt

Egypt destination for sea transport

The port of Alexandria is the most important in Egypt. The history of the port can be traced back to the year 1900 BC. At that time the port of Alexandria was built by order of the pharaohs to the west of the island of Pharos, where once the famous lighthouse of Alexandria showed the way to the sailors. The port area has a length of 2300 metres and a width of 300 metres and has docks of different depths and with several entrances.

Most important port of Egypt in Alexandria

Around 80% of Egypt's foreign trade is carried out in the port of Alexandria. The port is divided into two sections, separated by a dam and several quays. The first section is known as "the port" or the "inner dock", where the trade in general cargo is carried out. The second is known as the "dock" or "outer harbour", where raw materials such as oil or bulk goods are handled. A pilotage service co-ordinates the arrival and departure of all vessels in the main port of Egypt. The western part is divided into several areas. The first area is used for the handling of general cargo. The second area has four functions, namely the handling of unitised cargo, the unloading of barges and bulk cargo, a ro-ro terminal and passenger handling. The third area is used for the handling of general cargo and the unloading of inland waterway vessels. The fourth area will be used for container handling and unloading of general cargo, raw materials and goods such as cement, coal or fertilisers. The fifth sector will handle goods such as wood, molasses, cereals, flour, and sometimes general cargo. The sixth area is the so-called "oil dock". This is located on the western border of Egypt's main port, where oil products and edible oil are handled. Oil bunkers and berths for handling livestock are also available there. Although there is no oil storage on the port site, the oil berths are connected by a two-kilometre pipeline to the nearest refinery.