When Egypt set out to modernise Cairo Metro Line 1, the project required more than world-class engineering. It needed a logistics partner capable of moving some of the most complex pieces of rolling stock in the Mediterranean safely, precisely, and on schedule. By ensuring the safe and timely movement from Europe to Egypt, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company plays a crucial role in connecting global manufacturing expertise with national infrastructure development.
The Cairo Metro Line 1 is the backbone of daily mobility for millions of passengers and transports millions of passengers every day. With the new trains, it will help modernise service quality, reduce congestion, and support Egypt’s broader goals of expanding sustainable, efficient public transport. The project is expected to cut travel times by up to 50% and reduce CO₂ emissions by 70% compared to road transport.
This is in line with Egypt’s railway strategy, aligned with Vision 2030, focused on a massive overhaul: modernising existing lines with electronic signalling for safety and efficiency, expanding networks with new high-speed lines (Green, Blue, Red), increasing rolling stock, developing workshops, and integrating private sector partnerships to create a world-class, sustainable transport system that connects all major cities, boosts logistics, tourism, and reduces reliance on road transport.
MSC recently completed the first shipment of new metro railcars, marking the start of a long-term logistics operation that will ultimately deliver 495 railcars (55 trains of 9 railcars) to Egypt. The shipping company is in an ongoing process of shipping new metro railcars to the country as part of Egypt’s largest metro upgrade to date.
“Transporting the new metro cars for Cairo Metro Line 1 is a source of great pride for us. This project supports the modernisation of Africa’s first metro system and will improve daily mobility for millions of Egyptians, offering them modern and secure metro services.” — Mohamed Emad, Project Cargo Manager, MSC Egypt
Engineering a multi-phase logistics programme from Europe to Egypt
The initial shipment began at the port of Antwerp, where the first nine railcars were carefully prepared for ocean transport, with each unit reaching 41 tonnes. Handling cargo of this scale demands precise technical coordination, specialised lifting equipment and robust plans, all of which were developed by MSC’s project cargo teams.
Once secured, the railcars began their voyage across the Mediterranean, arriving safely at the port of Alexandria, where MSC Egypt coordinated discharge operations closely with terminal partners to ensure smooth, compliant handling in line with local infrastructure capabilities. This first shipment launches a multi-year partnership in which MSC will move all new Metropolis trains destined for Line 1.
Supporting Egypt’s infrastructure modernisation
With the successful arrival of the first train set, MSC continues preparations for subsequent shipments, each contributing to the renewal of one of Africa’s busiest metro lines.
Through its specialised project cargo capabilities, global network, and deep regional expertise, MSC extends its commitment to supporting Africa’s economic development.
