Port Tawfik | Suez

Port Tawfik: The Gateway to the Suez Canal

Port Tawfik (also spelled Port Tewfik, Arabic: ميناء بورتوفيق) is an important port city and terminal located at the southern entrance of the Suez Canal, in Suez Governorate, Egypt. Historically a key maritime hub, Port Tawfik has played a vital role in trade, industry, and naval operations, serving as a crucial point for ships entering and exiting the Suez Canal from the Red Sea.

1. Location and Accessibility

Region: Suez Governorate, Egypt.

Geographical Position: Located at the southern entrance of the Suez Canal, on the Gulf of Suez (northern Red Sea).

Distance from Cairo: 130 km (81 miles) southeast, approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by car.

Distance from Suez City: 10 km (6 miles) from central Suez.

How to Get There:

By Car: Accessible via the Cairo-Suez Road and Sharm El-Sheikh Road.

By Bus: Regular bus services connect Cairo, Suez City, and Port Tawfik.

By Sea: A major maritime transit point for ships passing through the Suez Canal.

2. History and Development

Origins and Early Development

The port was established in the late 19th century as part of the development of the Suez Canal, which opened in 1869.

It was named after Khedive Tawfik, the Egyptian ruler during the canal’s expansion.

Became an important naval and commercial hub, handling cargo and passenger ships.

British Colonial Era (1882-1956)

During British rule in Egypt, Port Tawfik was a key naval base due to its strategic location.

The British used it as a refueling and maintenance station for ships traveling between Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Suez Crisis (1956) and Wars

In 1956, during the Suez Crisis, the port was affected by the British-French-Israeli attack after Egypt’s nationalization of the Suez Canal.

Again, in the 1967 Six-Day War, Israeli forces targeted the port, and during the War of Attrition (1967-1970), it suffered heavy shelling.

The port remained closed for eight years (1967-1975) after the Suez Canal was shut down following the war.

Modern Era and Economic Development

After reopening in 1975, Port Tawfik was rebuilt and expanded to handle increasing maritime traffic.

Today, it is an important industrial and commercial hub, supporting Egypt’s trade, petroleum industry, and ship repair operations.

3. Economic and Industrial Importance

Port Tawfik is one of Egypt’s key ports, contributing to trade, industry, and logistics.

1. Maritime Trade and Shipping

Handles cargo ships, oil tankers, and container vessels entering/exiting the Suez Canal.

A major import-export hub for goods, including oil, chemicals, machinery, and food products.

2. Petroleum and Energy Industry

Located near oil refineries and gas terminals, Port Tawfik is essential for Egypt’s petroleum trade.

Serves as a supply point for tankers transporting oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

3. Ship Repair and Maintenance

Home to dry docks, shipyards, and repair facilities servicing vessels passing through the Suez Canal.

Provides refuelling, maintenance, and resupply services for cargo and passenger ships.

4. Fisheries and Seafood Industry

The port area is known for fishing operations and seafood processing.

Many local businesses rely on the Red Sea’s rich marine resources.

4. Attractions and Things to Do

Although primarily an industrial and commercial port, Port Tawfik and its surroundings offer some interesting sites:

1. Suez Canal Entrance Viewpoint

Visitors can watch massive ships enter and exit the Suez Canal from the Red Sea.

A great spot for photography and ship-watching.

2. Suez War Memorial and Martyrs’ Monument

A tribute to Egyptian soldiers who fought in the Suez conflicts.

Provides insight into the region’s wartime history.

3. Nearby Beaches and Resorts

Ain Sokhna (55 km south) offers luxury resorts, sandy beaches, and water sports.

A great spot for relaxation, snorkeling, and diving after visiting Port Tawfik.

4. Fishing and Boat Tours

Local fishermen offer boat tours and fishing trips in the Red Sea.

A chance to experience traditional fishing culture in the region.

5. Old Suez City

The nearby Suez City has a rich history, colonial-era buildings, and local markets.

Visitors can explore historic neighborhoods, mosques, and the bustling port area.

5. Challenges and Future Developments

Challenges:

Pollution and environmental concerns due to heavy maritime traffic and industrial activities.

Security threats from regional conflicts and geopolitical tensions.

Infrastructure maintenance and modernization needed to keep up with increasing trade demands.

Future Developments:

Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone): Expansion of industrial zones, logistics hubs, and free trade areas to boost investment.

New port facilities for oil, LNG, and container handling.

Tourism development with new hotels and waterfront attractions.

6. Why Visit Port Tawfik?

✅ Strategic and historic significance as the southern gateway to the Suez Canal.
✅ Unique opportunity to see massive ships passing through the canal.
✅ Rich wartime history, including battles from the Suez Crisis and later conflicts.
✅ Proximity to Ain Sokhna and other Red Sea destinations.
✅ Growing industrial and economic hub shaping Egypt’s future.

Conclusion

Port Tawfik is one of Egypt’s most important maritime gateways, blending history, industry, and trade at the entrance of the Suez Canal. While primarily a commercial port, it offers historical sites, ship-watching experiences, and easy access to the Red Sea’s resorts. With ongoing economic expansion and infrastructure projects, Port Tawfik continues to be a vital player in Egypt’s trade and transportation network.