Arab Sea Ports Federation

Shipping Arabia, October 21, 2026 – The Port Training Institute (PTI) and Maritime Transport Research and Consultation Center of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) participated in the 65th Board of Directors meeting of the Arab Sea Ports Federation. Held in Alexandria, Egypt, on October 14–15, 2026, the meeting brought together representatives of Arab maritime institutions to discuss cooperation, port development, and organizational matters.

The meeting took place at the Hilton Green Plaza Hotel in Alexandria. AASTMT’s participation reflected its commitment to supporting maritime transport development, strengthening cooperation with Arab ports, and advancing professional training across the regional port sector.

Under the direction of AASTMT President Prof. Ismail Abdel Ghafar Ismail Farag, Prof. Alaa Mahmoud Morsy, Dean of the Port Training Institute and Maritime Transport Research and Consultation Center, represented the academy at the meeting.

Morsy led the delegation in his capacity as Rapporteur of the federation’s Human Resources Development Committee. The delegation also included Dr. Essam Mostafa, Director of Business Development; Ahmed Shari, Head of Public Relations; and Mahmoud Farhat, Director of the Dean’s Office.

AASTMT Port Training Institute Highlights Maritime Training Capabilities

During the meeting, Morsy delivered a presentation outlining the activities of the Port Training Institute and its contribution to supporting Arab maritime ports.

The presentation highlighted the institute’s training and educational capabilities, along with its experience in preparing and qualifying maritime professionals. It also addressed the institute’s role in developing port personnel in accordance with modern professional standards and practices across the ports and maritime transport sectors.

Through its specialized training activities, the institute seeks to strengthen workforce capabilities and support improvements in port operations. Its programs focus on equipping maritime personnel with the professional knowledge and practical skills required by the industry.

The participation also provided an opportunity to emphasize closer cooperation between the institute and Arab ports and maritime organizations. Key areas of cooperation include exchanging professional expertise, developing specialized training programs, and strengthening human resources development initiatives.

These efforts aim to improve workforce efficiency and support the competitiveness of Arab ports. They also reflect AASTMT’s broader commitment to advancing maritime education, research, and professional development through cooperation with regional maritime institutions.

Arab Sea Ports Federation Announces Leadership Appointments

The federation’s 65th Board of Directors meeting also witnessed several important leadership developments, including the transfer of its presidency to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, represented by the leadership of the Port of Aqaba.

The leadership transition formed part of the federation’s ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination and cooperation among member countries and their maritime institutions.

During the meeting, the Board of Directors appointed Tarek Abdallah as Secretary-General of the Arab Sea Ports Federation, succeeding Essam Badawi.

Badawi was appointed an adviser to the federation, allowing him to continue contributing to the organization’s activities in a new capacity.

The board also appointed Prof. Khawla Al Akhdar, head of Tunisia’s Merchant Marine and Ports Authority, as Vice President of the federation.

These appointments were among the organizational decisions taken during the meeting, alongside discussions and activities supporting closer cooperation across the Arab maritime sector.

AASTMT Leadership and Port Training Institute Receive Recognition

The meeting also included recognition of AASTMT’s contributions to maritime transport development and professional training.

During the closing session, Essam Badawi honored AASTMT President Prof. Ismail Abdel Ghafar Ismail Farag in appreciation of the academy’s role and contributions to developing the maritime transport sector.

Prof. Alaa Mahmoud Morsy accepted the recognition on behalf of the academy’s president.

Morsy was also honored in recognition of the contributions made by the Port Training Institute and Maritime Transport Research and Consultation Center to professional training, workforce qualification, maritime research, and consultancy services.

The recognition highlighted the role of AASTMT and its specialized institutions in supporting the development of maritime professionals and strengthening technical expertise within the Arab maritime industry.

The institute’s participation in the Arab Sea Ports Federation meeting reaffirmed its commitment to promoting institutional cooperation, exchanging knowledge, and developing specialized training capabilities.

Through its educational, research, and consultancy activities, AASTMT continues to support Arab maritime integration and the development of human resources across the region’s ports and maritime transport sector.

Source: Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT)

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)