Sudan Rules Out Port Privatization as Strategic Partnerships and Port Reform Advance
Shipping Arabia, October 4, 2026 – Sudan’s Sea Ports Corporation has ruled out any official move toward Sudan port privatization, while outlining plans to expand strategic partnerships, develop infrastructure and improve operational efficiency across the country’s port sector.
Hassan Jaafar, Deputy Director General of the Sea Ports Corporation and Chairman of the Higher Committee for the International Sudanese Ports Conference, said the state had rejected port privatization at the highest levels. He noted that some parties had previously proposed moving in that direction.
Jaafar said ideas concerning partnerships remain at the proposal stage. Any future move, he added, would be subject to carefully considered decisions by the state and the relevant authorities.
Sudan Port Privatization Ruled Out as Partnerships Remain Under Study
The clarification addresses debate over the future ownership structure of Sudanese ports. Rather than pursuing privatization, the Sea Ports Corporation is focusing on potential strategic partnerships alongside infrastructure development and improvements in operational performance.
Jaafar stressed that proposed partnerships should not be interpreted as an approved change in ownership policy. At this stage, they remain ideas under consideration and would require formal assessment and approval before implementation.
Ports Conference to Address Handling and Infrastructure
Jaafar said the International Sudanese Ports Conference will examine four principal areas linked to the performance and development of the port sector.
One of the main themes will be the modernization of cargo-handling procedures, which he described as central to port operations from a vessel’s arrival through to berthing.
The conference will also examine infrastructure challenges, including the condition and capacity of berths, handling equipment of different sizes, port yards and storage facilities.
Another area of discussion will focus on supply chains and the smooth movement of trade. This is intended to support more efficient import and export operations.
The fourth area will cover the laws and regulations governing the port sector.
Proposal Would Create a National Maritime Authority
Jaafar also revealed that there is a serious proposal to transform the Sea Ports Corporation into a “National Maritime Authority.”
If the related study is approved, the restructured entity would formally represent the state’s maritime authority.
The proposal would therefore change the institutional role of the current corporation, although Jaafar indicated that implementation remains dependent on approval of the study.
Full Port Automation Still Requires Further Study
Addressing concerns about the potential impact of modernization and automation on employment, Jaafar said human resources would continue to play a fundamental role in cargo handling, loading and unloading operations.
He said Sudanese ports have not yet reached the stage of full automation or comprehensive digitalization. Moving toward that level of technology would require specialized studies and substantial budgets.
The Sea Ports Corporation’s current direction therefore combines operational modernization with continued reliance on human resources, while broader plans for partnerships, infrastructure development and institutional reform remain subject to state-level review and approval.
Source: Al Arabiya