Port Safety

Shipping Arabia, November 8, 2026 – Egypt’s Alexandria Port Authority has hosted an international delegation of trainees from 15 Arab and European countries as part of a regional train-the-trainer program focused on the effective implementation of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. The program, coordinated with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), aims to strengthen maritime personnel capabilities and improve compliance with international requirements for transporting and handling dangerous goods.

The delegation included representatives of Egypt’s Maritime Transport and Logistics Sector, the IMO Regional Office at Alexandria Port, and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT). The visit provided participants with practical exposure to dangerous goods handling procedures, storage systems, and maritime safety measures within an operational port environment.

The initiative forms part of Egypt’s efforts to strengthen international maritime cooperation and technical knowledge exchange, in line with directives from Minister of Transport Kamel El-Wazir.

Alexandria Port Strengthens International Maritime Safety Cooperation

The delegation was received by Alexandria Port Authority’s Vice Chairman for Operations on behalf of the authority’s Chairman.

During the reception, the Vice Chairman emphasized the importance of regional training programs in strengthening maritime safety and facilitating the exchange of practical experience among participating countries. He also highlighted the value of familiarizing maritime professionals with operational procedures used by ports to implement international safety requirements.

Alexandria Port Authority reaffirmed its commitment to developing its dangerous goods management systems and improving personnel competencies in accordance with international standards.

The authority also expressed its continued willingness to cooperate with the IMO and maritime institutions from partner countries. Such cooperation aims to share the port’s accumulated operational experience, strengthen international partnerships, and support maritime capacity-building initiatives.

The regional training program focuses on preparing qualified trainers who can transfer knowledge of IMDG Code requirements to maritime institutions and port personnel in their respective countries.

Alexandria Port IMDG Code Training Covers Operational Procedures

The technical visit began with a presentation introducing Alexandria Port, its operational capabilities, and ongoing development projects.

Port representatives then provided an overview of the procedures governing dangerous goods handling, storage, and security within the port.

The presentation examined Alexandria Port’s dangerous goods management framework and the measures used to ensure that hazardous cargo operations comply with relevant international requirements.

These discussions formed part of the practical learning component of the regional training course, allowing participants to connect the provisions of the IMDG Code with their implementation in daily port operations.

The program emphasized the importance of applying standardized procedures to dangerous goods activities while maintaining appropriate safeguards for personnel, cargo, infrastructure, and the surrounding marine environment.

Delegation Inspects Tahya Misr Terminal and Dangerous Goods Facilities

Following the presentations, the delegation conducted a field tour of the Tahya Misr Terminal and designated dangerous goods handling areas at Alexandria Port.

During the inspection, participants examined the procedures used for storing, handling, and securing dangerous cargo. The visit also provided an opportunity to review operational safety arrangements and observe how the port implements relevant international requirements.

The delegation subsequently visited a dangerous goods warehouse operated by LAT, where participants reviewed the facility’s technical equipment and storage systems.

The inspection covered security arrangements and procedures for managing different categories of dangerous goods, giving trainees further insight into the practical application of safety requirements within specialized storage facilities.

By observing these operations firsthand, participants gained experience in how the IMDG Code is implemented in an active port environment. The field visit also supported the program’s objective of transferring technical knowledge and operational experience to maritime authorities and ports in participating countries.

Supporting Maritime Capacity Building and Environmental Protection

Alexandria Port Authority emphasized that the visit reflects its broader commitment to strengthening maritime training, international cooperation, and the exchange of specialized expertise.

The authority highlighted the importance of continued engagement with the IMO and relevant maritime organizations to improve operational practices and develop the capabilities of personnel responsible for dangerous goods management.

These initiatives aim to reinforce maritime safety standards, protect lives and property, safeguard the marine environment, and improve port operational efficiency.

Through its participation in the regional training program, Alexandria Port demonstrated practical approaches to dangerous goods management while supporting the development of maritime safety expertise across the participating countries.

Source: Alexandria Port Authority

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, October 16, 2026 – Port of Beirut maritime security and the port’s strategic importance to Lebanon were highlighted during a visit by European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. The visit focused on the port’s role within Lebanon’s national maritime security strategy and the European Union’s continued support for security and safety standards.

Kallas was accompanied by EU Ambassador to Lebanon Sandra De Waele and Chairman of the European Union Military Committee, Gen. Seán Clancy. During the visit, the delegation met with Port of Beirut Chairman and Director General Marwan El-Naffi to discuss the port’s importance and ongoing efforts to maintain maritime security and operational safety.

El-Naffi accompanied Kallas on a tour of the port’s container terminal, where the delegation observed operational activities and reviewed the security and safety procedures currently in place.

Port of Beirut Maritime Security and EU Support

El-Naffi described the visit as recognition of the Port of Beirut’s strategic position and its importance to Lebanon and the wider region. He emphasized that the European Union has supported the port, particularly in areas related to maritime security and safety.

According to El-Naffi, the presence of the EU’s High Representative reaffirmed the continuation of this support and highlighted the port’s significance within Lebanon’s national economy.

He also pointed to the Port of Beirut’s regional importance, describing it as a gateway to the East. The visit, he said, reflected the port’s central position and the role it continues to play at the national and regional levels.

The discussions and container terminal tour placed particular emphasis on the security and safety arrangements supporting port operations. These measures remain an important part of the port management’s efforts to maintain established operational standards.

Port Management Reaffirms Commitment to Security and Safety Standards

El-Naffi highlighted the progress achieved at the Port of Beirut through the implementation of security and safety measures. He attributed the improvements to the procedures and arrangements adopted by the port’s management.

The chairman reaffirmed the port’s commitment to maintaining these standards while continuing to develop and strengthen its security and safety systems.

He emphasized the importance of preserving the progress already achieved and ensuring that existing measures continue to support the port’s operational activities.

The visit brought renewed attention to the European Union’s support for the Port of Beirut and the importance of maintaining maritime security and safety standards. It also highlighted the port’s role within Lebanon’s maritime security strategy and its significance to the national economy and the wider region.

Source: Port of Beirut

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