Port Development

Shipping Arabia, October 14, 2026 – Syria’s General Authority for Borders and Customs (GABC) has held an extensive meeting at Latakia Port to review maritime operations, development plans and key operational challenges. The discussions focused on improving port services, advancing digital transformation and strengthening coordination among the authority’s affiliated entities.

The meeting was chaired by Qutaiba Badawi, Head of the General Authority for Borders and Customs, with the participation of directors from the authority’s central departments and directorates.

Officials examined current operational conditions, identified challenges affecting various departments and discussed measures to improve institutional coordination and service efficiency across Syria’s maritime sector.

Port Operations and Maritime Service Development

A major focus of the meeting was the performance of Syrian ports and the development of services provided by the authority’s maritime entities.

Discussions covered port operations, Coast Guard activities, maritime transport and the Syrian Shipping Agencies Company. Officials reviewed opportunities to improve service delivery, increase operational efficiency and address challenges affecting these activities.

The meeting also examined the requirements of the Maritime Training and Qualification Establishment, particularly its role in preparing qualified personnel for the maritime sector.

Participants emphasized the importance of developing the workforce needed to support improvements in maritime services and strengthen the capabilities of institutions operating under the authority.

These discussions formed part of a broader review of how the authority’s various departments and affiliated organizations can coordinate their activities more effectively.

Digital Transformation and Administrative Modernization

Digital transformation was another central topic, with officials reviewing projects to modernize administrative and operational systems across the authority.

The discussions addressed measures to accelerate official correspondence, simplify working procedures and improve the efficiency of administrative processes.

Participants also examined the standardization of administrative forms and legal procedures to establish more consistent working practices across departments.

In addition, the meeting addressed staffing requirements and improvements to the working environment, reflecting the authority’s focus on ensuring that its departments have the personnel and organizational resources needed to perform their responsibilities.

Performance Monitoring and Service Quality

During the meeting, Badawi emphasized the importance of adopting clear action plans supported by measurable key performance indicators (KPIs).

He called for systematic monitoring of assigned tasks, closer follow-up on implementation and measures to overcome obstacles that could delay progress.

Badawi also directed the authority’s departments to prioritize improvements in service quality while strengthening confidence among customers and investors.

Furthermore, he stressed the importance of institutional working practices and closer integration among the authority’s different departments and affiliated entities.

The meeting brought together the operational, administrative and training priorities of Syria’s maritime sector, with an emphasis on coordinated development, improved performance monitoring and more efficient service delivery.

Source: General Authority for Borders and Customs

Shipping Arabia, October 13, 2026 – Yemen’s Minister of Transport, Mohsen Haidara Al-Omari, reviewed Mukalla Port development projects, operational readiness and maritime safety measures during a meeting with senior officials from the Yemen Arabian Sea Ports Corporation (YASPC) and the Maritime Affairs Authority. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Transport headquarters in Aden, also included the signing of tender documents for several development and rehabilitation projects at the Port of Mukalla.

The discussions focused on the operational performance of both organizations, progress in development programs and the requirements for improving port infrastructure and maritime services. Officials also reviewed measures to strengthen operational preparedness and maintain safe navigation amid ongoing regional security challenges.

Mukalla Port Development Projects and Infrastructure Improvements

The meeting examined the progress of Mukalla Port development projects and rehabilitation activities undertaken by the Yemen Arabian Sea Ports Corporation. Discussions addressed the corporation’s operational performance, current development programs and infrastructure requirements across its affiliated ports.

Al-Omari emphasized the importance of improving institutional performance and accelerating the completion of procedures related to port development and rehabilitation projects. He called for greater efforts to improve service quality, strengthen infrastructure efficiency and raise operational readiness.

The minister also highlighted the need to ensure that development activities support the continuity and efficiency of port operations.

Fouad Al-Rabaki, Vice Chairman of YASPC, briefed the minister on the corporation’s activities and the operational status of its affiliated ports. His presentation covered measures implemented at Mukalla Port, progress on ongoing projects and the principal requirements for sustaining and improving maritime and port operations.

The discussions also addressed the practical needs of the corporation and its ports, particularly those related to improving operational capabilities and maintaining service efficiency.

Maritime Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Maritime safety and emergency preparedness formed another major part of the meeting. Al-Omari directed the leadership of YASPC and the Maritime Affairs Authority to strengthen precautionary measures across the ports under their responsibility.

The minister stressed the importance of maintaining heightened operational vigilance and activating emergency committees to address potential risks and developments.

He also called for stronger maritime safety procedures in response to security concerns arising from continued Houthi escalation. These measures aim to improve the preparedness of port and maritime authorities to respond to potential threats affecting their operations.

The meeting reviewed the activities of the Maritime Affairs Authority’s Mukalla branch, including its supervisory responsibilities and measures to strengthen maritime safety.

Dr. Nabil Bin Aifan, Director General of the authority’s Mukalla branch, presented an overview of its operational activities and responsibilities. He outlined the procedures implemented to enhance maritime oversight, improve safety measures and strengthen readiness within the branch’s jurisdiction.

Coordination Between Port and Maritime Authorities

The meeting brought together senior officials responsible for Yemen’s maritime and port sectors, reflecting the Ministry of Transport’s focus on coordinating infrastructure development, operational performance and maritime safety.

Participants included Captain Ali Al-Subahi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport for Maritime Affairs and Ports; Fouad Al-Rabaki, Vice Chairman of YASPC; and Dr. Nabil Bin Aifan, Director General of the Maritime Affairs Authority’s Mukalla branch.

Dr. Mohammed Jameel, Director General of the Minister’s Office, and Engineer Abbas Bafadel, Director of the Projects Department at YASPC, also attended.

The discussions addressed the need for continued coordination between the ministry, port management and maritime regulatory authorities to advance infrastructure improvements and strengthen preparedness.

The review of Mukalla Port development projects, alongside measures to improve maritime supervision and emergency response, reflects the ministry’s priorities for enhancing port services, maintaining operational continuity and strengthening maritime safety across Yemen’s Arabian Sea ports.

Source: Yemen Arabian Sea Ports Corporation

Shipping Arabia, October 8, 2026 – The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) and Kenya’s Tunasco are exploring a partnership focused on port development and marine construction in Kenya, including the potential establishment of a specialized company to undertake projects in the East African country.

Adm. Ossama Rabiee, Chairman and Managing Director of the Suez Canal Authority, discussed the proposal with Tunasco Chairman Abdul Wali Sharif during a meeting at the authority’s headquarters in Ismailia.

The talks focused on opportunities for cooperation in the construction and development of ports in Kenya as the SCA seeks to expand its activities into African markets and contribute to regional development initiatives.

Proposed company for port and marine construction projects

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the possibility of forming a partnership between Tunasco and the Suez Canal Authority through Timsah Shipbuilding Company, one of the authority’s affiliated companies.

Under the proposal, the partners would establish a specialized company to operate in port works and marine construction in Kenya.

The meeting was also attended by Abdel Hakim Zakaria, Director of the Companies Department; Ahmed Ibrahim, Chairman of Timsah Shipbuilding Company; and Maj. Gen. Ehab Abdel Fattah and Maj. Gen. Assem El-Safty, board members of the Kenyan-Egyptian company.

SCA targets wider African markets

Rabiee said the Suez Canal Authority aims to open new markets across Africa and participate actively in development efforts based on the strategic interests and partnership relations linking Egypt with African countries.

He said the authority is ready to contribute to the development of Kenya’s marine infrastructure and transfer its expertise in sectors connected with maritime activity.

Potential areas of cooperation include port development, marine construction, dredging, shipbuilding, maritime unit construction and training.

The discussions therefore extend beyond port construction alone, with the SCA positioning its technical and operational capabilities across several maritime fields as part of the proposed cooperation.

Tunasco seeks access to SCA expertise

Sharif said Tunasco is looking to establish close cooperation with the Suez Canal Authority and benefit from its technical capabilities, human resources and extensive experience across different maritime activities.

He said cooperation with the SCA has been welcomed by the Kenyan government, particularly amid closer Egyptian-Kenyan relations over the past five years.

According to Sharif, the coming period is expected to include bilateral meetings with several Kenyan government officials. These discussions are intended to establish a general framework for cooperation and begin the steps required for implementation.

Tunasco brings local presence in Kenya

Tunasco has a local presence in Kenya and is involved in multiple infrastructure development projects.

The company’s position in the Kenyan market, combined with the SCA’s technical capabilities and the participation of Timsah Shipbuilding Company, forms the basis of the proposed partnership under discussion.

The talks remain focused on establishing a framework for cooperation in Kenya, with further government-level discussions expected before implementation steps begin.

Source: Suez Canal Authority

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, 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