Emergency Response

Shipping Arabia, October 27, 2026 – Iraq’s General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI) is working to strengthen Khor Al-Zubair Port safety measures and emergency preparedness through closer coordination between port management and operating companies. The efforts aim to improve preventive procedures, protect lives and property, and ensure the continuity of port operations.

The Khor Al-Zubair Port Directorate held a regular coordination meeting with representatives of joint-operation companies working at the port. Participants reviewed security and safety procedures, discussed preventive measures, and examined ways to improve emergency response capabilities. The meeting also emphasized clearly defining responsibilities and coordinating roles between port management and operating companies.

Strengthening Emergency Response and Workplace Safety

A key focus of the discussions was improving preparedness for potential emergencies, particularly fires and occupational accidents. Participants emphasized the importance of conducting regular emergency drills to strengthen response capabilities and ensure personnel are better prepared to handle incidents.

The meeting also highlighted the need for consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE) across port operations. In addition, participants called for more frequent safety awareness activities and closer monitoring of compliance with established workplace safety standards.

These measures form part of efforts to strengthen preventive practices and create a safer working environment for personnel involved in port activities.

Enhanced Safety Monitoring and Operational Coordination

Beyond emergency preparedness, the meeting addressed the importance of strengthening on-site safety supervision. Participants stressed the need to identify and address safety observations and violations while maintaining consistent oversight of working conditions throughout the port.

The discussions also emphasized that workplace safety requires shared responsibility between port management and operating companies. By reinforcing coordination and preventive practices, the port aims to improve workplace safety and support greater operational efficiency.

The initiatives are being pursued under the supervision of GCPI Director General Abdullah Ati Abdullah. They also align with directives from Iraq’s Minister of Transport, Wahab Al-Hassani, to strengthen security and safety requirements and improve emergency preparedness across Iraqi ports.

Source: General Company for Ports of Iraq

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

Shipping Arabia, September 25, 2026 – Damietta Port Authority has received an Exceptional Courage Award for its emergency response to an incident involving two regasification and storage vessels at the Egyptian port, where teams contained the situation while maintaining the safety and continuity of port operations.

The award was presented during Egypt’s World Maritime Day 2026 celebration in Alexandria, held under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.”

Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir presented the award to Rear Adm. Tarek Adly Abdullah, Chairman of Damietta Port Authority, recognizing port personnel involved in responding to the incident.

According to the authority, teams acted rapidly to contain the situation involving the two vessels, helping prevent potentially serious consequences while protecting port facilities and allowing operations to continue.

The response involved coordination between different port departments and relevant authorities, with the award recognizing the personnel involved for their emergency preparedness, decision-making and response under exceptional operating conditions.

Damietta Port said the incident demonstrated the importance of emergency readiness alongside infrastructure and capacity development, particularly the ability of ports to protect personnel, vessels and facilities while maintaining operational continuity.

Abdullah said the recognition reflected the collective response of the port teams involved and would support further efforts to strengthen Damietta’s safety and emergency management capabilities.

The award was presented as part of Egypt’s World Maritime Day activities, which brought together senior government, port and maritime officials to highlight operational performance, safety, sustainability and the continued development of the country’s maritime sector.

Source: Damietta Port Authority