maritime investment

Shipping Arabia, October 6, 2026 – The first International Sudanese Ports Conference opened in Port Sudan on September 27, bringing together senior government officials, diplomats, academics and maritime and logistics specialists to examine the future development of Sudan’s ports and their role in supporting investment and the national economy.

The two-day event, held on September 27 and 28, was organized jointly by the Port Training Institute of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) and Sudan’s Sea Ports Corporation.

Held under the theme “The Role of Sudanese Ports in Promoting Investment and the National Economy,” the conference focused on how Sudan can make greater use of the strategic location of its ports along the Red Sea while developing their operational capabilities in line with international standards.

International participation and 20 research papers

The Sudanese ports conference brought together experts and specialists from five countries: China, Spain, Norway, Egypt and Sudan.

Its technical program featured 20 specialized research papers divided across four main scientific sessions. The discussions addressed the future of Sudanese ports, development and modernization plans, and the role of the port sector in attracting investment.

One of the principal themes was how Sudanese ports can capitalize on their geographic position on the Red Sea. Participants also examined opportunities to introduce smart systems and adopt international standards to increase cargo-handling capacity and improve operational efficiency.

The conference further explored plans to develop Sudanese ports into regional logistics platforms capable of supporting the country’s economy and creating opportunities for international partnerships and investment.

Senior maritime and government participation

The opening was attended by Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Jaber, member of Sudan’s Sovereignty Council, and Saif Al-Nasr Al-Tijani, Sudan’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure.

AASTMT President Prof. Ismail Abdel Ghafar Ismail Farag also participated, alongside Prof. Alaa Mahmoud Morsi, Dean of the Port Training Institute and the Maritime Transport Sector Research and Consultation Center.

The Sea Ports Corporation was represented by its Director, Gilani Mohamed Gilani. The event also attracted ambassadors, diplomats and a large number of specialists from the maritime transport and logistics sectors.

The participation of government, academic and maritime-sector representatives formed part of the conference’s effort to connect port development with wider investment and economic objectives.

Sudanese ports conference focuses on modernization

Discussions on port modernization centered on the introduction of smart systems and the adoption of international standards to strengthen the performance of Sudan’s maritime gateways.

The conference agenda also addressed ways to raise handling capacity and operational efficiency as Sudan considers the future development of its Red Sea ports.

In parallel, participants examined how the ports could support broader logistics activity and attract new investment. The conference positioned port development as a key element in efforts to strengthen Sudan’s transport system and expand opportunities for international cooperation.

AASTMT pledges scientific and technical support

In his address, AASTMT President Prof. Ismail Abdel Ghafar said holding the first edition of the conference in Port Sudan reflected Sudan’s determination to build a promising economic future through its Red Sea gateway.

He reaffirmed the academy’s commitment to providing scientific and technical support to Sudan’s maritime sector. He said AASTMT, its research centers and the Port Training Institute would make their scientific and applied expertise available to assist the development of Sudanese ports.

According to Abdel Ghafar, the objective is to work with Sudanese partners toward a competitive maritime transport system suited to the country’s strategic position while creating wider opportunities for investment and development.

The first International Sudanese Ports Conference therefore combined technical research, port modernization, investment and logistics development within a single agenda focused on the future role of Sudan’s ports on the Red Sea.

Source: Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport

Shipping Arabia, October 3, 2026 – Egypt highlighted its yacht tourism development efforts and plans to strengthen marina infrastructure and marine services during its participation in the Monaco Yacht Show 2026, where a senior Ministry of Transport delegation held discussions with international investors, marina operators and specialized companies.

The Egyptian delegation included Rear Admiral Dr. Nihad Shahin, Deputy Minister of Transport for Maritime Transport, and Rear Admiral Osama Hussein El Sayed Negm, Deputy Head of the Maritime Transport & Logistics Sector for Ports Affairs.

The ninth edition of the Monaco Yacht Show was held from September 23 to 26, 2026, in Monaco. It brought together major companies, investors and specialists from the yacht industry, marina sector, marine services and maritime tourism from around the world.

Egypt Yacht Tourism Development in Focus

Egypt’s participation provided an international platform to present the country’s efforts in yacht tourism development and marina infrastructure while engaging directly with companies and investors active in the sector.

The delegation reviewed the latest international trends and experiences in yacht building, marina development and operation, marine services and maritime tourism. The visit also provided an opportunity to examine approaches that could support further development of services offered to yachts in Egypt.

The Egyptian representatives held a series of meetings and discussions with investors, marina operators and specialized companies during the event. Talks covered potential cooperation and investment opportunities, as well as the development of marinas and services provided to visiting yachts.

Smart and Sustainable Marina Operations

Another focus of the Egyptian delegation was international experience in establishing, developing, managing and operating smart and sustainable marinas.

The meetings allowed the delegation to examine different international models and exchange expertise with companies and organizations involved in marina management and marine tourism.

Egypt’s participation also focused on strengthening communication with international entities operating across the yacht, marina and maritime tourism sectors. These engagements included discussions on developing coastal destinations and improving the services and infrastructure that support yacht tourism.

Public-Private Partnerships and Investment

The delegation also exchanged views on strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors as part of Egypt’s efforts to develop its yacht tourism industry.

Discussions with investors and specialized companies addressed opportunities for partnership and investment in marina development and related marine services. The participation was intended to support wider efforts to attract additional investment into yacht tourism and the infrastructure serving the sector.

By participating in the Monaco Yacht Show, the Egyptian delegation also sought to deepen connections with international industry participants and gain further exposure to global operating practices in yacht tourism and marina development.

The Maritime Transport & Logistics Sector said the participation supports Egypt’s efforts to develop yacht tourism, improve marina and marine services, and attract further investment in the sector.

Source: Maritime Transport & Logistics Sector