Egypt and Greece Advance Talks on Alexandria–Greece Shipping Links and Cruise Cooperation
Shipping Arabia, October 15, 2026 – Egypt and Greece are advancing discussions on proposed Alexandria–Greece shipping links, including Ro-Pax passenger and truck services between Alexandria and Patras and Ro-Ro cargo services between Alexandria and Volos. The two countries are also exploring expanded dry bulk trade and cruise tourism cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The discussions took place during a visit by a senior Greek delegation to Alexandria Port Authority, following the third session of the Egyptian-Greek Joint Maritime Committee held on October 5, 2026. The meeting produced agreements on practical measures to advance maritime cooperation between the two countries.
The visit was held under the directives of Egypt’s Minister of Transport, Kamel El-Wazir. Alexandria Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral Ehab Salah received the delegation, which was led by Manolis Koutoulakis, Secretary General for Maritime Affairs and Ports at Greece’s Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy.
Rear Admiral Hussein El-Geziry, Head of Egypt’s Maritime Transport and Logistics Sector, also attended the visit. He had chaired the Egyptian delegation during the joint maritime committee meetings.
The Greek delegation included the heads of the Patras and Volos port authorities, the Director General of Customs and the scientific adviser to the Secretary General for Maritime Affairs and Ports. Senior Alexandria Port Authority officials also participated in the discussions.
Alexandria–Greece Shipping Links Focus on Ro-Pax and Ro-Ro Services
A central focus of the discussions was the development of maritime connections between Egyptian and Greek ports. Both sides examined opportunities to strengthen shipping, logistics and trade cooperation through proposed services linking Alexandria with Patras and Volos.
The proposed Alexandria–Patras route would operate as a Ro-Pax service, accommodating passengers and trucks. Meanwhile, the proposed Alexandria–Volos connection would focus on Ro-Ro cargo transport.
The two routes form part of efforts to improve maritime connectivity and facilitate the movement of passengers, vehicles and cargo between Egypt and Greece.
In addition, the Greek delegation expressed interest in expanding cargo exchanges with Alexandria Port to include dry bulk commodities. This would broaden the scope of maritime cooperation beyond the proposed Ro-Pax and Ro-Ro connections.
The discussions also considered the development of an integrated logistics corridor connecting Egypt and Greece with their respective trading partners. Such cooperation would bring together maritime transport, logistics services and trade activities within a coordinated framework.
Although the routes remain under discussion, both sides agreed to advance the necessary technical and commercial assessments to support their potential implementation.
Egypt and Greece Explore Eastern Mediterranean Cruise Homeport Cooperation
Cruise tourism formed another major component of the bilateral maritime discussions.
Egyptian and Greek officials examined opportunities to strengthen cooperation between Alexandria Port and Greek ports, particularly by coordinating their roles as cruise homeports in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The proposed cooperation focuses on developing greater integration between ports capable of serving as starting and ending points for cruise itineraries. Both sides discussed how coordinated port activities could support the development of maritime tourism between Egypt and Greece.
They also explored opportunities to establish joint cruise tourism programs aimed at increasing passenger traffic and strengthening maritime tourism connections between the two countries.
The discussions reflect the two sides’ interest in expanding cooperation beyond commercial shipping to include passenger transport and cruise operations.
Greek Delegation Inspects Alexandria Port Facilities
As part of the visit, the Greek delegation conducted an inspection tour of several operational areas and facilities at Alexandria Port.
The tour included the passenger terminal and port berths, with particular attention to the Ro-Ro berths expected to support the proposed maritime connections.
Delegation members also visited the Tahya Misr Multipurpose Terminal to examine the port’s infrastructure, equipment and operational capabilities.
The inspection provided Greek officials with an opportunity to assess Alexandria Port’s available facilities and logistics capabilities directly. It also supported discussions about the technical and operational requirements of the proposed shipping services.
The port visit formed part of the broader effort to translate the outcomes of the Egyptian-Greek Joint Maritime Committee into practical cooperation initiatives.
Technical Meetings to Advance Proposed Maritime Routes
At the conclusion of the visit, both sides agreed to hold additional technical meetings involving specialists from Egypt and Greece.
These meetings will follow up on the joint maritime committee’s outcomes and examine the requirements for implementing the proposed Alexandria–Greece shipping links.
The assessments will cover technical, operational, commercial and logistical considerations associated with the proposed Ro-Pax and Ro-Ro services.
The objective is to move toward implementation through coordinated and carefully assessed steps, while addressing the practical requirements of establishing the maritime connections.
Alexandria Port Authority reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with Greek ports and maritime organizations. The authority emphasized the importance of expanding trade and maritime connectivity between Egypt and Greece.
The cooperation also supports Alexandria Port’s development as a regional logistics hub linking markets in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Source: Alexandria Port Authority
