AD Ports group buys 19.3% stake in Egypt’s ALCN for $278 million to deepen east–west trade connectivity

By Admin

25 Nov, 2025

AD Ports Group has taken a major step in strengthening its presence across the East–West maritime corridor with the acquisition of a 19.3% stake in Alexandria Container & Cargo Handling Company (ALCN). The stake, previously held by the Saudi Egyptian Investment Company (SEIC), was purchased for approximately $278 million, marking one of the group’s most strategic investments in Egypt’s port infrastructure.

Expanding Presence on the East–West Maritime Route

The East–West route linking Asia, the Middle East, and Europe remains one of the busiest and most critical container trade pathways in the world. By securing a deeper foothold in Egypt, AD Ports Group reinforces its role as a key facilitator of global trade across this corridor. The investment strengthens its ability to support high-volume cargo flows and boost connectivity between major economies.

ALCN: A Major Gateway for Egypt’s Container Traffic

ALCN is one of Egypt’s largest terminal operators, overseeing container operations at the Alexandria and El-Dekheilla ports. Together, the terminals have a combined handling capacity of 1.5 million TEU, managing 1.07 million TEU in FY 2025. With 1.6 km of quay length and direct integration with Egypt’s national railway network, ALCN offers strong multimodal capabilities, enhancing the speed and efficiency of domestic and regional cargo movement.

Financially, the company reported $176.5 million in revenue for FY 2025, operating at a healthy utilisation rate of around 71%, reflecting its strong position in the regional logistics sector.

AD Ports Group’s Strategic Vision

Commenting on the acquisition, Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, emphasised that the deal aligns with the company’s broader strategy to expand its operations along key global trade routes.

“This investment supports our efforts to facilitate trade through this vital corridor, while deepening our partnerships and expanding our investments in Egypt. This is fully aligned with the directives of our wise leadership to drive economic diversification, strengthen regional integration, and deliver long-term value for our stakeholders,” he said.

A Continued Expansion Drive in Egypt

Since 2022, AD Ports Group has been steadily reinforcing its presence in Egypt’s maritime sector. Its portfolio expansion includes the acquisition of regional shipping leader Transmar, port operator TCI, and maritime and cargo services provider Safina. In early 2025, the group further signed a 50-year concession agreement with the Suez Canal Economic Zone to develop a massive 20 sq km logistics and industrial zone east of Port Said.

Strengthening Regional Influence

With this latest stake purchase in ALCN, AD Ports Group cements its growing influence in one of the Middle East and Africa’s most strategic logistics markets. The investment not only enhances the group’s expansion agenda but also unlocks new opportunities to drive trade growth, operational efficiency, and long-term regional integration.