Port Development

Shipping Arabia, September 25, 2026 – Iraq’s Ministry of Transport is reviewing progress across its port development programme and measures to accelerate delayed projects as the country works to integrate its maritime infrastructure with the Development Road and strengthen its position as a regional transport and trade corridor.

The review was led by Dr. Hazem Radi Al-Hafadhi, Administrative Undersecretary at the Ministry of Transport, with Dr. Abbas Imran Musa, Director General of the Planning and Follow-up Department, and officials from the General Company for Ports of Iraq.

Officials examined implementation stages and completion rates across projects included in the government programme, together with obstacles affecting individual developments and the approvals and coordination required to move construction forward.

The meeting placed particular emphasis on projects aimed at developing Iraq’s port system and increasing its contribution to cargo movement, trade and regional transport.

Maritime components connected with the Development Road were also reviewed, with officials discussing coordination between the ports company and other government entities to align technical and implementation requirements.

The Development Road is intended to integrate Iraq’s maritime gateway at Grand Faw Port with new road and railway infrastructure extending north toward Türkiye and onward to European markets. Iraq and Türkiye recently completed a draft framework covering transport infrastructure development and implementation stages for the project.

Iraq has simultaneously been expanding its international transit network, opening seven new routes during the first eight months of 2026 as part of efforts to connect its ports and land transport infrastructure within a broader multimodal logistics system.

The ministry said closer coordination with relevant authorities will be required to resolve outstanding requirements and accelerate port projects considered central to Iraq’s future transport network.

Source: Iraq Ports Media

Shipping Arabia, September 25, 2026 – Egypt is advancing a major expansion of Arish Port, with the port’s eastern basin reaching 33.6% completion as new berths, breakwaters, cement export facilities and rail connections are developed to strengthen North Sinai’s access to international maritime markets.

Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir inspected the project, which forms a central component of the planned Arish-Taba integrated logistics corridor, linking the Mediterranean coast with Taba on the Gulf of Aqaba and industrial areas across central Sinai.

Marine works under the first phase have been completed, including a 1,250-meter main breakwater, the 250-meter Sinai berth, 500 meters of eastern berth protection, a 250-meter secondary eastern breakwater and the 915-meter Tahya Misr berth. A separate 1,000-meter tourism berth has also been completed.

Construction of administrative and operational facilities has reached 50%, covering customs, port authority, logistics, civil protection, maintenance and other facilities, together with five entry and exit gates.

Work on the second-phase eastern basin is 33.6% complete and includes 1,908 meters of marine berths, a 930-meter eastern breakwater and a 1,290-meter extension of the existing western breakwater.

The development also includes four cement silos with a combined capacity of 40,000 tonnes, divided between white and grey cement, to support exports to international markets. Arish is also expected to handle Sinai-origin commodities including sand, salt and marble.

A 12-kilometer railway connection is planned between the port and the Bir El-Abd-Arish-Ras El-Naqab line, integrating maritime cargo with Egypt’s wider rail network and supporting import and export flows.

Arish is the only Mediterranean seaport in North Sinai. Its expansion is intended to serve industrial, agricultural and mining activity across the peninsula while providing the maritime gateway for the Arish-Taba corridor, one of eight integrated international logistics corridors being developed across Egypt.

Source: Ministry of Transport – Egypt

Shipping Arabia, September 24, 2026 – Egyptian ports handled 233 million tonnes of cargo and 11.1 million TEUs in 2025, as the country advances a major port and logistics expansion programme aimed at strengthening its position in regional transport, transshipment and global shipping networks.

The figures were announced by Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir during Egypt’s World Maritime Day 2026 event in Alexandria, held under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.”

Cargo throughput increased 12% year-on-year, while container volumes rose 25%. Egypt also advanced to 19th globally in the Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (LSCI), from 23rd in 2024, ranking first in Africa and second among Arab countries. The government is targeting a position among the global top 15 by 2030.

Egypt is developing eight integrated international logistics corridors connecting Mediterranean and Red Sea ports and the Suez Canal corridor with dry ports, industrial, agricultural and mining areas through railways, express roads and the high-speed electric rail network.

Its maritime development programme includes expanding the commercial port network to 19 ports, increasing port areas to 100 million square meters and adding 70 kilometers of new berths with depths of 18 to 25 meters, taking total quay length beyond 100 kilometers. Plans also include expanding breakwaters and increasing the marine tug fleet to 80 units.

New container and multipurpose terminals are being developed with international operators and shipping lines including Maersk, MSC and CMA CGM, supporting additional capacity and stronger integration into global liner networks.

Egypt is also targeting a commercial fleet of around 40 vessels by 2030, capable of carrying 30 million tonnes annually through its state-affiliated shipping companies.

Alongside capacity expansion, the maritime strategy includes digitalization, green ports, shore power, lower-emission marine fuels and green hydrogen projects as Egypt seeks to combine infrastructure growth with environmental and operational efficiency.

The World Maritime Day event brought together senior maritime and port officials, including Suez Canal Authority Chairman and Managing Director Adm. Ossama Rabiee, port executives and representatives of Egypt’s maritime community.

Source: Ministry of Transport – Egypt

Shipping Arabia, September 24, 2026 – Algeria’s Port of Djen Djen has completed its third transshipment operation of 2026, handling 5,700 tonnes of Chinese steel coils bound for Djibouti as the port expands its role in international transit and transshipment cargo.

The operation, carried out on September 20, involved 537 steel coils arriving from China aboard MV Seadance. The cargo was handled at the port’s Algeria 2 quay before being re-forwarded toward its final destination in Djibouti.

The cargo was not destined for the Algerian market, with Djen Djen instead serving as an intermediate logistics point connecting an Asian-origin shipment with an East African destination.

The latest movement represents the third transshipment operation carried out at Djen Djen this year. The port completed its first operation in January, when a China-origin shipment of 800 TEUs arrived aboard Xin Yong Chang 19, with 200 containers subsequently forwarded to St. Petersburg.

Djen Djen Port Enterprise said the latest operation demonstrates the port’s ability to receive, handle and redirect different cargo types while supporting its integration into international transport and logistics chains.

The activity comes as Djen Djen continues developing infrastructure aimed at expanding its international role. Four new berths entered service in May, including facilities supporting export, import, transshipment and bunkering activities, while development of the port’s container terminal is also progressing.

Located on Algeria’s Mediterranean coast in Jijel, Djen Djen is seeking to develop beyond its traditional import and export role by attracting transit and transshipment cargo connecting Asia, the Mediterranean and African markets.

Source: Rass El Mal – Algerian Business Platform

Shipping Arabia, September 24, 2026 – Damietta Port has launched a comprehensive assessment of its economic and environmental impact and competitive position among Egyptian and regional ports, as it seeks to align ongoing infrastructure expansion with future operational and logistics requirements.

The Damietta Port Authority organized a stakeholder dialogue in cooperation with the General Authority for Transport Planning, bringing together port officials, operators, maritime companies, industry specialists and transport experts to contribute to the study.

The assessment will examine the port’s operational performance, economic contribution, environmental impact and competitive advantages, alongside the challenges and opportunities expected to influence its future development. The findings are intended to support investment priorities and long-term planning.

Damietta Port Authority Chairman Rear Adm. Tarek Adly Abdullah said port performance can no longer be measured solely through vessel calls and cargo volumes, but must also consider economic and environmental impact, contribution to trade and logistics, value creation and long-term competitiveness.

Damietta Governor Hossam El-Din Fawzy highlighted the port’s role in supporting economic development in the governorate and the importance of coordination between government institutions and other stakeholders as major development projects advance.

The session included a presentation by Prof. Khaled El-Sakty, Dean of the College of International Transport and Logistics at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, outlining the study’s methodology and indicators for assessing performance, competitiveness and environmental and economic impact.

Damietta Port Authority Vice Chairman Rear Adm. Dr. Ahmed Hamdy Abdel Aziz also presented the port’s recent performance indicators and ongoing national development projects, focusing on how additional infrastructure and logistics capacity could strengthen its ability to respond to changes in maritime transport and supply chains.

Participants reviewed operational strengths and constraints, environmental considerations and future opportunities, with industry feedback expected to be incorporated into the final assessment and recommendations.

The study forms part of Damietta’s wider effort to combine port expansion, operational efficiency and environmental sustainability as it strengthens its position within Egypt’s port network and the wider Eastern Mediterranean logistics market.

Source: Damietta Port Authority

Shipping Arabia, September 23, 2026 – DP World is set to develop new port terminals at Al Rugaylat and Dibba in Fujairah under an agreement with the Fujairah Ports Authority, expanding cargo-handling capacity along the UAE’s east coast.

The developments will add new capacity for containers, general cargo and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) traffic while creating approximately 700 direct maritime jobs across the two projects.

At Al Rugaylat, the planned terminal will have an annual container-handling capacity of 2.5 million TEUs, alongside capacity for 1.7 million tonnes of general cargo and 190,000 car equivalent units (CEUs) of RoRo cargo annually.

The Dibba development will focus on general cargo, with planned capacity reaching 3.6 million tonnes per year.

The projects will expand the range and scale of port infrastructure available on the UAE’s east coast, complementing the country’s existing maritime and logistics network and providing additional gateways for international trade.

Fujairah’s location on the Gulf of Oman gives its east coast ports direct access to major shipping routes outside the Strait of Hormuz, making the emirate strategically important within the UAE’s wider maritime and logistics network.

DP World said the new terminals will strengthen the UAE’s global connectivity while providing additional infrastructure to support growing cargo flows.

Once developed, the two facilities will add substantial container, RoRo and general cargo capacity to Fujairah while broadening the UAE’s network of maritime trade gateways.

Source: DP World

Shipping Arabia, September 23, 2026 – Damietta Port is nearing completion of a new 850-meter marine berth for dry bulk, fuel and grain cargoes, as the Egyptian port continues expanding its handling and storage capacity.

The project is being implemented by Canal Company for Ports and Large Projects at an estimated cost of EGP 6 billion (around $125 million) and forms part of Damietta Port Authority’s wider infrastructure development programme.

The new berth is intended to increase capacity for grain handling and storage, while also accommodating dry bulk and fuel cargoes. Electrical infrastructure for the project is now moving into its next stage, with installation and connection works expected to begin in the coming weeks.

Damietta Port Authority has tendered the supply and installation of a new electricity source for the grain terminal, with the electrical works expected to cost around EGP 25 million.

Alongside the berth development, the authority is progressing several infrastructure and operational projects across the port, including maintenance of its medium-voltage electricity network and plans for the port’s first solar power station.

Damietta is also moving to modernize cargo truck weighing operations within the customs area. A project covering a 750-square-meter facility will develop, manage and operate an electronic weighbridge system for loaded and empty cargo trucks, incorporating two platforms with a minimum capacity of 200 tonnes each under a Green & Smart operating model.

The projects form part of wider efforts to expand Damietta’s cargo-handling infrastructure and improve the port’s capacity and competitiveness across containerized, bulk and general cargo trades.

Source: Almal News

Shipping Arabia, September 21, 2026 – Lebanon is advancing plans to transform the Port of Tripoli from a local cargo gateway into a regional logistics hub, with around 20 development projects planned over the next three years and new agreements targeting rail connectivity and the Tripoli Special Economic Zone.

The plans were highlighted during the “Tripoli: Strategic Partnerships, an Investment and Sustainable Development Future” conference, hosted by the Port of Tripoli in partnership with the Special Economic Zone and the Tripoli–Homs railway rehabilitation project.

Held at the Grand Serail under the patronage and in the presence of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, the event brought together ministers, ambassadors and economic stakeholders to discuss investment and the development of an integrated logistics system connecting maritime, land and air transport.

Following tendering and evaluation procedures, two contracts were signed. The first covers the review and updating of the Tripoli–Aboudieh railway line study, while the second will develop the licensing system and legal and regulatory framework for the Tripoli Special Economic Zone.

Several agreements and strategic partnership memoranda were also signed.

Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamny said the objective is to transform Tripoli Port “from a local station for handling goods into a regional logistics hub on the Eastern Mediterranean.”

The wider roadmap includes around 20 projects over the next three years, covering infrastructure development, digitalisation, port capacity expansion and stronger domestic and regional connectivity.

Rail connectivity forms an important part of the strategy, with efforts to develop links associated with Tripoli intended to strengthen the port’s hinterland connections and support a broader multimodal logistics network.

Rasamny also called on investors to “put Tripoli on your radar,” stressing that the initiatives being presented represent tangible projects and investment opportunities.

Prime Minister Salam linked the development of Tripoli with Lebanon’s wider economic prospects, stating: “When Tripoli grows, Lebanon grows with it.”

The latest agreements represent a move from planning toward implementation as Lebanon seeks to strengthen Tripoli’s position in Eastern Mediterranean trade, logistics and investment.

Source: Port of Tripoli

Shipping Arabia, September 21, 2026 – Egypt has launched trial operations at the first phase of a new general cargo and bulk terminal at Sokhna Port, with the facility designed to handle up to 10 million tonnes annually and accommodate large vessels at berths with depths of up to 18 meters.

Trial operations began with the arrival of GAMBELLA, represented by Dominion Shipping Agency, carrying around 1,460 metric tonnes of battery units for an energy storage system. The vessel was berthed and its cargo discharged and handled as part of the terminal’s operational testing programme.

Cargo discharge was carried out by Suez Stevedoring Company, while the terminal is operated by Egypt Marine Ports Company.

Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir said the trial phase will test the terminal’s complete operating system, including the readiness of its berths, yards, equipment, workforce and operational systems, as well as performance during vessel reception, discharge, cargo transfer and storage before progressing toward full operations.

The terminal occupies approximately 397,000 square meters and includes two marine berths with a combined length of 1,200 meters and depths of up to 18 meters, enabling it to receive large vessels and handle both general and bulk cargo.

Its targeted annual capacity of around 10 million tonnes will add substantial handling capability at Sokhna while supporting industrial and logistics activity across the Suez Canal region and surrounding economic zones.

Rear Adm. Abdel Qader Darwish, Chairman and Managing Director of Egypt Marine Ports Company, said the first vessel call represents an important step toward full operation of the facility as part of the wider development of Sokhna into a strategic Red Sea port.

Further phases will include the development of customs warehouses and value-added logistics services, with the company planning to progressively utilize the terminal’s full area and reach its targeted operating capacity.

Source: Ministry of Transport – Egypt

Shipping Arabia, September 20, 2026 – Egypt is advancing a broad portfolio of port, terminal, ship repair and maritime infrastructure projects across the Mediterranean and Red Sea, as the country seeks to expand cargo-handling capacity and strengthen multimodal trade corridors linking its seaports with rail and inland logistics networks.

Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir reviewed the programme during the ordinary and extraordinary general assemblies of the Suez Canal Company for Marine Ports Development, attended by Suez Canal Authority Chairman and Managing Director Adm. Ossama Rabiee.

Company Chairman and Managing Director Maj. Gen. Mohamed Farag presented progress on projects including dredging, reclamation and berth construction for a dry bulk terminal at El-Max Port, reclamation works at Damietta Port and development of a cement plant at Arish Port.

The company is also involved in the Ferdan-Taba railway, a logistics terminal for handling raw materials and pellets at Adabiya, construction of an 850-meter marine berth covering a total area of 270,000 square meters, and reclamation works supporting the Tahya Misr 2 terminal.

Other projects include Taba Port, which forms part of the Arish-Taba logistics corridor, alongside dredging and reclamation for a ship repair and recycling area at Damietta and construction of the port’s 6,920-meter western breakwater.

El-Wazir called for the projects to remain on schedule while directing the company to expand into additional maritime infrastructure and operational activities.

He said the company’s future role should extend beyond port construction to the management, operation and maintenance of cargo, container and multipurpose terminals and marine berths inside and outside Egypt.

The strategy also calls for greater integration between maritime, road and rail transport, positioning port infrastructure as part of wider logistics corridors rather than standalone facilities.

El-Wazir described the company as a key arm of Egypt’s port development programme, with a larger role expected in expanding maritime capacity and strengthening the country’s position in regional and international trade.

Source: Ministry of Transport – Egypt