Aqaba Port’s Mahmoud Khalifat Elected President of Arab Sea Ports Federation
Shipping Arabia, October 21, 2026 – Dr. Mahmoud Khalifat, General Manager of Aqaba Company for Ports Operation and Management (ACPOM), has been elected President of the Arab Sea Ports Federation (ASPF). The election took place during the federation’s 65th Board of Directors meeting in Alexandria, Egypt. Khalifat succeeds the UAE’s Mohamed Al Shamsi, placing Jordan and the Port of Aqaba at the helm of the regional maritime organization.
Following his election, Khalifat expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in Jordan by Arab port administrations. He described the appointment as recognition of the reputation, leadership, and operational achievements of Jordanian ports, particularly the Port of Aqaba.
Khalifat emphasized that the confidence demonstrated by federation members reflects the progress achieved across Jordan’s port sector. He also highlighted the responsibility that comes with leading an organization representing maritime ports and institutions throughout the Arab region.
Strengthening Cooperation and Competitiveness Across Arab Ports
Khalifat outlined a series of priorities aimed at advancing cooperation among Arab ports and strengthening their operational performance. He emphasized the importance of greater coordination and integration between member ports to address regional and international logistics challenges.
A central priority will be improving the efficiency and competitiveness of Arab ports through the development of maritime services. Khalifat also called for measures to facilitate intra-Arab trade and maritime transport, accelerate cargo handling operations, and improve supply chain flows.
He stressed that these objectives require closer collaboration among federation members. Such cooperation would help Arab ports strengthen their collective capabilities while addressing the operational and logistics challenges facing the maritime transport sector.
Khalifat further emphasized the need to translate the confidence placed in the federation’s leadership into continued work and tangible achievements. He highlighted the importance of advancing port development at both national and regional levels while strengthening joint Arab maritime cooperation.
Digital Transformation and Smart Port Development
Digital transformation and smart port technologies will also feature prominently among the priorities identified by Khalifat.
He called for supporting plans to develop port infrastructure across the Arab region, modernize equipment, and introduce advanced technologies to improve operational efficiency.
According to Khalifat, adopting modern systems and technological solutions is essential for improving the competitiveness of Arab ports. He also emphasized the importance of innovation and knowledge-based development in keeping port operations aligned with advances in the global maritime industry.
These priorities include modernizing port operating systems, strengthening technological capabilities, and encouraging innovation across port activities.
Khalifat stressed that Arab ports must continue adapting to developments in international port management and maritime operations. He called for a sustained commitment to modernization and innovation to strengthen their position within the evolving global maritime sector.
Arab Sea Ports Federation: Role, Objectives, and Membership
The Arab Sea Ports Federation was established in Alexandria, Egypt, in 1976. It operates under the umbrella of the League of Arab States through the Council of Arab Economic Unity.
The federation is a specialized Arab organization with its own legal personality and financial and administrative independence. Its primary objectives include supporting the development of Arab maritime ports, improving operational efficiency, and contributing to economic integration among Arab countries through maritime transport.
The organization also works to strengthen relationships among member ports and promote the exchange of expertise, information, and economic studies. In addition, it seeks to help Arab ports respond to global developments in the maritime industry and benefit from modern technological and digital applications.
Its membership includes numerous Arab maritime authorities, port organizations, and institutions.
Among the members are Aqaba Company for Ports Operation and Management, representing the Port of Aqaba in Jordan, alongside the Alexandria Port Authority and the ports of Dekheila and Damietta in Egypt. The federation also includes Abu Dhabi Ports and Sharjah Ports in the United Arab Emirates.
Through these members, the federation provides a framework for cooperation in port development, maritime transport, operational efficiency, and the exchange of knowledge across the Arab region.
Khalifat’s election places the leadership of Aqaba Port at the head of an organization focused on strengthening Arab maritime cooperation. His stated priorities emphasize closer coordination, improved port competitiveness, digital transformation, and the modernization of maritime infrastructure and operations.
Source: Aqaba Company for Ports Operation and Management (ACPOM)
