Shipping Arabia, October 21, 2026 – Pan Marine Group, the Egyptian agent for DFDS, has announced the expansion of the Damietta–Trieste Ro-Ro service with the addition of the vessel Ark Futura. The deployment increases the service frequency from one to two weekly sailings, strengthening maritime connectivity between Egypt and Italy.
The expansion responds to growing demand for the route, which began operations in November 2024. Since its launch, the service has developed into a maritime corridor connecting Egypt with European markets. It also facilitates transit cargo movements through Egyptian territory to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Ark Futura Adds a Second Weekly Ro-Ro Sailing
Under the revised operating schedule, Ark Futura will arrive at and depart from Damietta Port every Monday. The additional sailing complements the existing weekly service, which arrives at Damietta on Thursdays and departs on Fridays.
The expanded Damietta–Trieste Ro-Ro service provides importers, exporters, and logistics operators with more options for scheduling shipments between Egypt and Europe. By increasing sailing frequency, Pan Marine and DFDS aim to accelerate cargo flows and improve logistics efficiency.
The additional vessel also gives customers greater flexibility in coordinating cargo movements across different markets. This is particularly relevant for businesses using the route for imports, exports, and transit shipments destined for Gulf markets.
Strengthening Trade Connectivity Between Europe, Egypt, and the Gulf
The expanded service supports Egypt’s position as a logistics hub and a strategic link for trade between Europe and the Middle East. It provides a maritime connection for European goods entering the Egyptian market, while also facilitating their onward movement through Egypt to GCC countries.
At the same time, Egyptian exporters benefit from a direct maritime gateway to European markets through the integrated DFDS transport network. The connection provides access to a wider range of regional and international markets for producers, exporters, and importers.
By strengthening the link between Damietta and Trieste, the service supports cargo movements in both directions. It also reinforces the role of Egypt as a transit corridor connecting European trade flows with destinations across the Gulf region.
Pan Marine and DFDS Expand Maritime and Logistics Services
The expansion forms part of Pan Marine Group and DFDS’s strategy to strengthen maritime connections between Egypt and Europe. Both companies aim to provide a reliable logistics corridor linking businesses with regional and international markets.
Pan Marine Group stated that the addition of Ark Futura represents an important milestone in the development of its maritime and logistics services. The company emphasized its commitment to providing reliable and flexible transport solutions that improve supply chain efficiency.
The increased sailing frequency is also intended to support smoother cargo movements between markets. Through the expanded Damietta–Trieste Ro-Ro service, Pan Marine and DFDS seek to improve transport flexibility while facilitating trade between Egypt, Europe, and the Middle East.
Source: Al Mal