Damietta Port Authority

Shipping Arabia, October 14, 2026 – Egypt’s Damietta Port Authority has commissioned two new high-speed pilot boats, Pilot 1 and Pilot 2, as part of its fleet modernization program. The vessels have entered service to strengthen marine operations, improve response capabilities and support growing vessel traffic at the port.

The commissioning coincided with celebrations marking the anniversary of Egypt’s October Victory. The addition of the two vessels forms part of the authority’s efforts to modernize its marine service fleet and maintain efficient port operations.

The new Damietta Port pilot boats combine speed, maneuverability and modern navigation equipment. Their deployment aims to enhance the port’s operational readiness and ensure the continued delivery of reliable marine services as shipping activities expand.

Technical Specifications of the New Pilot Boats

The two vessels were constructed by Egyptian Ship Repair & Building Co. using marine-grade aluminum alloy. Each boat measures 15.3 meters in length, with a beam of 5.2 meters and a draft of 1.4 meters.

Each vessel is powered by two engines rated at 550 horsepower each, enabling a maximum speed of 25 knots. The boats also have a cruising range of 500 nautical miles at cruising speed, providing operational flexibility for marine service assignments.

These specifications are intended to support rapid response and effective maneuvering during maritime operations. The combination of engine power, speed and vessel design strengthens the authority’s ability to carry out marine service activities efficiently.

Both pilot boats feature modern navigation and communication equipment, including marine radar, echo sounders, positioning systems and Automatic Identification Systems (AIS). They also carry integrated safety equipment and systems designed to recover personnel from the water.

Construction, Delivery and Commissioning

Damietta Port Authority received the two pilot boats following completion of construction by Egyptian Ship Repair & Building Co., in accordance with the contract between the two organizations.

After construction, both vessels were transported by road to Damietta Port. They were subsequently launched into the water from the port’s marine services quay before entering operational service.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by Damietta Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral Tarek Adly Abdullah, alongside Vice Chairman Rear Admiral Ahmed Hamdy Abdelaziz.

Other attendees included Captain Yasser Abdel Latif, Head of the Central Department of Marine Services, and Rear Admiral Refaat El Mardini, Head of the Central Department of Movement and Areas. Several senior departmental officials and general managers from the authority also participated.

Strengthening Damietta Port’s Marine Service Fleet

The introduction of the new Damietta Port pilot boats represents another step in the authority’s program to develop and modernize its marine fleet.

The investment responds to increasing vessel traffic and maritime activities at the port. By introducing modern, high-speed vessels, the authority aims to improve operational readiness, strengthen marine service capabilities and maintain the regular movement of vessels and port services.

The two boats also provide additional capacity for executing marine assignments that require rapid movement, maneuverability and reliable onboard safety systems.

Beyond the operational improvements at Damietta Port, the project demonstrates the capabilities of Egyptian shipbuilding companies to manufacture specialized marine service vessels for domestic ports.

According to the authority, the project reflects the ability of local shipbuilders to deliver vessels that meet operational requirements and possess specifications that enable them to compete in the maritime market.

The commissioning of Pilot 1 and Pilot 2 therefore supports both the modernization of Damietta Port’s marine service fleet and the development of locally manufactured vessels for Egypt’s port sector.

Source: Al Borsa News

Shipping Arabia, October 8, 2026 – Hapag-Lloyd and Damietta Port Authority have discussed expanding cooperation as the German shipping line looks to increase its business in Egypt and strengthen vessel calls and container handling activity through Damietta Port.

Damietta Port Authority Chairman Rear Adm. Tarek Adly Abdallah received a Hapag-Lloyd delegation comprising Alper Tavukcu, Regional Managing Director for Egypt, Türkiye and Greece, and Amr Ismail, Operations Manager at Hapag-Lloyd Egypt.

The meeting formed part of continuing coordination between the port authority and Hapag-Lloyd and focused on supporting the shipping line’s plans to increase its activity in the Egyptian market.

Rear Adm. Dr. Ahmed Hamdy Abdelaziz, Vice Chairman of Damietta Port Authority, and Rear Adm. Rifaat El-Mardini, Head of the Central Administration for Traffic and Zones, also attended the discussions.

Hapag-Lloyd and Damietta Port explore stronger coordination

The talks covered several areas of cooperation between Damietta Port Authority and Hapag-Lloyd, including ways to strengthen coordination and facilitate the requirements of the shipping services operated by the line through Damietta Port.

Both sides discussed measures aimed at supporting Hapag-Lloyd’s operations and ensuring that the port can continue meeting the requirements associated with the line’s maritime services.

The Hapag-Lloyd delegation emphasized the importance of Damietta Port as one of the region’s strategic ports. The delegation pointed to the port’s operational capabilities and developed infrastructure as key factors supporting its role in the shipping line’s activities.

Hapag-Lloyd also indicated that it intends to increase its business volume in Egypt. As part of this direction, the company plans to strengthen vessel activity and cargo handling through Damietta Port during the coming period.

Role in Tahya Misr 1 Container Terminal

Hapag-Lloyd is one of the members of the consortium operating the Tahya Misr 1 Container Terminal at Damietta Port.

The shipping line’s participation in the terminal operating consortium reflects the importance of Damietta Port within container shipping and maritime transport services, as well as the port’s growing role in supporting international trade flows.

The meeting therefore covered not only the shipping line’s current activity at the port but also continued coordination around its broader operational requirements and plans for increased activity in Egypt.

Damietta Port Authority pledges operational support

Abdallah reaffirmed Damietta Port Authority’s commitment to maintaining direct communication and coordination with shipping lines operating through the port.

He said the authority aims to provide the necessary support to facilitate maritime and operational activities, while helping shipping lines meet their service requirements efficiently.

The authority also views this cooperation as part of its efforts to support higher cargo handling volumes and strengthen Damietta Port’s competitiveness.

These efforts are proceeding alongside development work at the port and measures to improve its infrastructure and operational capabilities.

By maintaining close coordination with major shipping lines such as Hapag-Lloyd, Damietta Port Authority aims to support increased shipping activity while facilitating the operational requirements of carriers serving the Egyptian market.

Source: Damietta Port Authority

Shipping Arabia, October 7, 2026 – Timsah Shipbuilding tugboats took center stage at a ceremony in Ismailia as the Suez Canal Authority launched three new vessels and marked the start of construction of five additional tugs for the Red Sea Ports Authority. Suez Canal Authority Chairman Adm. Ossama Rabiee attended the ceremony at Timsah Shipbuilding Co., an SCA affiliate, as the authority continues expanding domestic construction and repair capabilities for marine units.

The program included the launch of Khedma 1 for Damietta Port Authority, Azima 11 for the Suez Canal Authority and Ezz El Din Younes 2 for Canal Harbor & Great Projects Co. Rabiee also witnessed the keel-laying of five new tugboats being built for the Red Sea Ports Authority.

The Suez Canal Authority said the work forms part of its efforts to develop the capabilities of its affiliated shipyards and companies, localize marine-unit construction and meet operational requirements at the Suez Canal and Egyptian ports.

Three Timsah Shipbuilding Tugboats Launched

The ceremony began with the launch of Khedma 1, which Timsah Shipbuilding Co. is building for Damietta Port Authority.

The tug measures 18.6 meters in overall length and 6.9 meters in beam, with a fully loaded draft of 2.2 meters. It has a bollard pull of 20 tons and a maximum speed of 10 knots.

Timsah then launched Azima 11 for the Suez Canal Authority. The third vessel launched was Ezz El Din Younes 2, which is being built for Canal Harbor & Great Projects Co., another SCA affiliate.

The two tugs share similar technical specifications. Each measures 18.6 meters in overall length and 6.9 meters in beam, with a fully loaded draft of 2.2 meters. Both have a bollard pull of 12 tons and a maximum speed of 11 knots.

The launch ceremony was attended by senior Suez Canal Authority officials and representatives of the maritime authorities receiving the vessels, including Red Sea Ports Authority Chairman Maj. Gen. Mohamed Abdel Rahim and Damietta Port Authority Chairman Rear Adm. Tarek Adly.

Five New Tugs Begin Construction for Red Sea Ports Authority

Following the three launches, Rabiee witnessed the keel-laying of five additional tugboats at Timsah Shipbuilding Co., marking the start of their construction for the Red Sea Ports Authority.

The five-vessel program includes two tugboats with a bollard pull of 70 tons and three with a bollard pull of 20 tons. The vessels are being built as part of efforts to modernize towage and pilotage capabilities.

Red Sea Ports Authority Chairman Maj. Gen. Mohamed Abdel Rahim said the authority is seeking to strengthen cooperation with Timsah Shipbuilding Co. for the construction of additional tugboats and marine launches as its operational requirements increase.

Rabiee later met Abdel Rahim and Damietta Port Authority Chairman Rear Adm. Tarek Adly to review the schedule for completing the remaining work and discuss future cooperation.

Adly praised the efficiency, quality and discipline of the construction work. He also described the Azima tug design as a distinctive model with several operational advantages.

Repair Work Underway on Damietta Port and SCZONE Tugs

Alongside the newbuild program, Rabiee reviewed repair and maintenance work carried out by Timsah Shipbuilding Co. on three Damietta Port Authority tugboats.

The three vessels — Abu Gandia, Abu Zeid and Hedaya — each have a bollard pull of 60 tons. The maintenance program aims to improve their efficiency and enable them to continue performing their assigned marine duties at the port.

Timsah Shipbuilding Co. is also carrying out maintenance and repair work on Misr Al Mahrousa, a 25-ton bollard pull tug belonging to the Suez Canal Economic Zone.

The combination of new construction and repair work reflects the range of marine-unit projects currently being undertaken at the company for several Egyptian maritime authorities.

SCA Expands Domestic Marine Construction Capacity

Rabiee said the Suez Canal Authority has restructured its affiliated companies and diversified their activities, enabling them to move from losses to profitability while strengthening their role in marine industries and logistics services.

He said Timsah Shipbuilding Co. has increased its output of different types of marine units, reaching 42 vessels built since 2019.

According to Rabiee, the SCA will continue expanding tugboat and marine-unit construction and repair capacity across its affiliated companies. The authority aims to make greater use of available technical and human capabilities while meeting the requirements of the Suez Canal and Egyptian ports through domestic construction rather than overseas procurement.

He added that development of Egypt’s marine fleet remains a strategic priority across the authority’s companies and shipyards.

Rabiee said Timsah Shipbuilding Co.’s marine construction and logistics capabilities complement broader efforts to localize marine industries, including activities at the South Red Sea shipyard.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the SCA chairman praised Timsah Shipbuilding Co. employees for their work and called for continued development of the company’s capabilities to strengthen its ability to compete in regional and international markets.

Source: Suez Canal Authority

Shipping Arabia, October 2, 2026 – Damietta Port ship calls increased 18% year on year in August 2026, reaching 316 vessels compared with 267 in the same month of 2025. The increase came alongside a 6% rise in total cargo throughput to about 3.54 million tons, according to Damietta Port Authority data reviewed by Al Mal.

Container vessel calls rose 21% to 104 ships from 86 a year earlier. Dry bulk vessel calls increased 28% to 95 from 74, while general cargo vessel calls declined 17% to 35 from 42.

Liquid bulk vessel calls remained unchanged at 14 ships, while RoRo calls were also stable at four vessels. Meanwhile, the category covering regular and service vessels increased 36% to 64 ships from 47 in August 2025.

Damietta Port Ship Calls Accompany Higher Cargo Volumes

Total cargo handled at Damietta Port reached approximately 3.54 million tons during August, up from 3.34 million tons in the corresponding month last year. Performance varied significantly across individual cargo segments.

Traditional general cargo declined 44% to about 268,000 tons from 480,000 tons. In contrast, dry bulk cargo increased 11% to 1.62 million tons, compared with 1.46 million tons in August 2025.

Liquid bulk recorded the strongest growth among the major cargo categories, rising 113% to approximately 405,000 tons from 190,000 tons. RoRo cargo also increased sharply, reaching about 15,900 tons compared with 6,300 tons a year earlier, representing growth of 152%.

Containerized cargo by weight reached approximately 1.23 million tons, up 3% from 1.19 million tons in August 2025.

Container Numbers Decline Despite Higher Containerized Cargo Weight

Although containerized cargo tonnage increased, the number of containers handled by Damietta Port fell 13% year on year. The port handled about 130,000 containers during August, compared with approximately 148,600 in the same month of 2025.

Import containers declined 26% to about 50,000 from 67,600. Export container volumes moved in the opposite direction, increasing 2% to approximately 74,800 from 73,200 containers.

Other additional container movements totaled about 5,000 containers, compared with 8,700 in August 2025, a decline of 35%.

Regional Shipping Developments Support Vessel Traffic

A Damietta Port Authority official attributed the strong increase in vessel calls to developments around Bab el-Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz. According to the source, those developments prompted a significant number of vessels carrying cargo from the Arabian Gulf region to pass through Damietta on voyages to and from Europe.

The official said August recorded the port’s highest increase in vessel calls, at 18%, adding that changes affecting international shipping routes had influenced vessel traffic patterns at transshipment ports.

The source also said Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk had recently increased the frequency of their calls at Damietta Port as relative calm returned to the Bab el-Mandeb area.

According to the official, the additional calls contributed to Damietta Port’s inclusion in services operated by the two shipping lines and strengthened maritime connectivity between Asia and Europe through the Suez Canal. The source said this development supports Damietta Port’s position within international trade routes.

Source: Al Mal

Shipping Arabia, September 30, 2026 – A Damietta Port safety review has examined cargo handling and storage procedures, marine pollution preparedness, civil protection measures and emergency response capabilities as part of periodic inspections carried out across Egyptian ports.

Damietta Port Authority received the committee responsible for inspecting and reviewing the safety of procedures at Egyptian ports. The committee was headed by Brig. Gen. Eng. Maged El-Bedewe, Director of Strategic Planning at the Maritime Transport and Logistics Sector.

The visit formed part of regular monitoring activities aimed at ensuring that work procedures remain safe and orderly and that ports comply with the applicable requirements and operating controls.

Damietta Port Safety Review Begins With Operational Assessment

The committee began its work with a coordination meeting at Damietta Port Authority headquarters. Representatives of the relevant authorities attended alongside directors of departments connected to the review within the port authority.

During the meeting, Damietta Port Authority presented the efforts undertaken by the Authority and other parties within the port community to develop operating systems and strengthen safety and discipline across the port.

The committee then conducted a series of field visits to operational areas. These inspections focused on verifying the procedures used to maintain the security and safety of cargo handling and storage activities.

The review also covered procedures for dealing with abandoned cargo and its disposal. Inspectors examined the extent to which the applicable controls governing such cargo are being implemented.

Marine Pollution and Civil Protection Measures Reviewed

Environmental protection formed another part of the inspection program. The committee reviewed the port’s environmental protection system, including its marine pollution response plan.

Inspectors also assessed the efficiency of civil protection procedures in place throughout the port and examined their operational readiness. Particular attention was given to whether these measures are implemented in practice and whether employees have received effective training to respond to different emergency scenarios.

The review therefore combined an examination of documented procedures with practical checks on preparedness and staff capabilities.

Firefighting Drill Tests Emergency Readiness

As part of the assessment of Damietta Port’s firefighting capabilities, the committee supervised a practical fire-response drill at one of the companies operating within the port.

The exercise was designed to assess the effectiveness of emergency response procedures under practical conditions. It also tested coordination between the relevant parties involved in managing an emergency.

The committee additionally reviewed the level of training provided to employees at companies operating inside the port. The Authority highlighted the importance of workforce preparedness because employees represent the first line of response when emergency situations arise.

The drill provided a practical means of evaluating how established procedures, inter-agency coordination and employee training perform together during a simulated incident.

Damietta Port Authority Emphasizes Safe Operations

Rear Admiral Tarek Adly Abdallah, Chairman of Damietta Port Authority, said the Authority continues to take the necessary measures to develop its operating system and raise its efficiency.

He stressed the Authority’s commitment to applying high standards of safety and environmental protection. These efforts are intended to strengthen the port’s readiness and its ability to respond to different situations, in line with directives from Minister of Transport Kamel El-Wazir.

Abdallah said regular inspection and monitoring activities are an essential part of supporting port operations. They allow authorities to assess the actual implementation of procedures, identify observations and address them.

According to the chairman, this process contributes to maintaining safe and efficient operations at Damietta Port while improving the level of services provided in accordance with the applicable standards and regulatory requirements.

The latest Damietta Port safety review covered operational, environmental and emergency-response measures across several areas of port activity, combining procedural checks, field inspections and a practical firefighting exercise.

Source: Damietta Port Authority