Safaga Port

Shipping Arabia, October 12, 2026 – Egypt and Tanzania are advancing plans to develop a multipurpose terminal at Dar es Salaam Port and establish a direct shipping service connecting Tanzania with Egypt’s Red Sea ports of Sokhna and Safaga. The proposed projects form part of a broader multimodal logistics corridor linking the two countries and improving trade connectivity between Egypt, East Africa and landlocked Central African markets.

The plans were discussed during a meeting between Egyptian Minister of Transport Kamel El-Wazir and Tanzanian Minister of Transport Makame Mbarawa at Alexandria Port. The visit included extensive bilateral discussions and an inspection of the port’s maritime and logistics facilities.

El-Wazir emphasized Egypt’s commitment to expanding transport cooperation with Tanzania, increasing Egyptian exports to African markets and developing logistics zones to support regional trade.

Dar es Salaam Port Development and New Shipping Service

The proposed memorandum of understanding, which the two countries plan to sign in the coming period, outlines several major transport and logistics projects.

A central component involves developing a multipurpose terminal at Dar es Salaam Port through an Egyptian-Tanzanian-international consortium. The port serves approximately 90% of Tanzania’s domestic market and provides maritime access to six landlocked countries: Malawi, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda.

The agreement also envisages a direct maritime service connecting Egypt’s Red Sea ports of Sokhna and Safaga with Dar es Salaam. The proposed shipping link would support trade flows between Egypt and East Africa while providing connections to inland African markets.

In addition, the two countries plan to establish reciprocal logistics zones, including an Egyptian logistics zone in Tanzania and a Tanzanian logistics zone in Egypt.

The proposed cooperation extends to Tanzania Railways Corporation, with plans to connect the new facilities to the national railway network. This would support the integration of maritime, road and rail transport within the planned logistics corridor.

Cairo–Dar es Salaam Multimodal Logistics Corridor

The projects form part of the proposed Cairo–Dar es Salaam multimodal logistics corridor, which seeks to connect Egypt’s Red Sea ports and domestic logistics network with Tanzania and neighboring landlocked countries.

Under the proposed arrangement, maritime services would connect Egyptian ports with Dar es Salaam. Cargo would then move through Tanzania’s electric railway network toward inland destinations in Central Africa.

The corridor builds on an earlier memorandum of understanding on infrastructure cooperation between the Egyptian and Tanzanian transport ministries, signed during Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s visit to Tanzania.

El-Wazir said Egypt has infrastructure companies with extensive experience and the capacity to participate in Tanzanian projects. He emphasized their readiness to deliver infrastructure works according to high-quality standards, competitive costs and accelerated implementation schedules.

Mbarawa welcomed the proposed cooperation and praised Egyptian expertise in transport and infrastructure development. He described the discussions as an important step toward launching joint projects between the two countries.

Technical committees from both sides are expected to hold further meetings to advance the projects included in the planned agreement.

The discussions also addressed maritime education and technical training. Mbarawa requested scholarships for Tanzanian students at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT).

In response, El-Wazir confirmed Egypt’s willingness to provide specialized training opportunities for the entire Tanzanian team expected to operate the proposed Dar es Salaam terminal. The programs would focus on developing technical capabilities and preparing personnel to operate the facility using modern terminal management systems.

Alexandria Port Showcases Maritime and Logistics Infrastructure

Following the discussions, the two ministers toured several facilities at Alexandria Port, including the historic port museum, passenger terminal, cargo berths and Tahya Misr Multipurpose Terminal.

The passenger terminal features a tourism complex covering more than 34,000 square meters, with capacity for up to 7,000 tourists. Its 820 meters of berths can accommodate four large cruise ships simultaneously, while the terminal building consists of three floors.

The delegation also inspected general cargo berths 10, 11 and 13, alongside berth 12, which serves roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels.

The visit continued at Tahya Misr Multipurpose Terminal, which occupies approximately 500,000 square meters and features 2,500 meters of berths with depths reaching 17.5 meters.

The terminal can accommodate vessels up to 400 meters long with capacities reaching 24,000 TEUs. Its annual handling capacity stands at 1.5 million TEUs and 15 million tons of general cargo.

During the tour, terminal chairman Mahmoud Khodeir outlined the facility’s operational achievements. The terminal has handled approximately 2.6 million TEUs and received around 1,400 vessels, with transit cargo representing 38% of container volumes.

Rail operations have also supported cargo movements between the port and inland logistics facilities. The terminal has received approximately 403 trains, handling 39,000 TEUs through its rail connections.

The ministers reviewed the terminal’s digital operating systems and control room. They also inspected the rail container loading facility serving trains bound for October Dry Port.

According to the presentation, Tahya Misr Multipurpose Terminal has generated approximately 1,000 direct jobs and 2,500 indirect employment opportunities.

Alexandria Port Handles Over 82 Million Tons in 2025/2026

During the visit, Egyptian officials presented the wider development of Alexandria Port and its contribution to the country’s maritime transport network.

Alexandria Port Authority handled more than 82 million tons of cargo during the 2025/2026 fiscal year and received 7,026 vessels.

The port forms an important part of the Sokhna–Alexandria logistics corridor, one of eight integrated international logistics corridors being developed by Egypt to connect maritime gateways with inland transport networks and international trade routes.

El-Wazir also outlined Egypt’s broader maritime development strategy, which aims to position the country as a regional hub for transport, logistics and transit trade.

The strategy includes constructing five new commercial ports, bringing the national total to 19. It also targets expanding port areas to 100 million square meters.

Planned infrastructure improvements include adding 70 kilometers of berths with depths ranging from 18 to 25 meters, bringing total berth lengths to more than 100 kilometers.

Egypt also plans to construct 35 kilometers of breakwaters, increasing the national total to 50 kilometers, while expanding its merchant fleet to 40 vessels by 2030.

The proposed cooperation with Tanzania forms part of these wider efforts to strengthen Egypt’s maritime connectivity and expand trade and logistics links with African markets.

Source: Egyptian Ministry of Transport

Shipping Arabia, October 9, 2026 – Arab Bridge Maritime profits exceeded $40 million in the first nine months of 2026, marking the company’s highest earnings since its establishment. The record performance comes as the company expands its fleet to 11 marine units and prepares to introduce new shipping services, including the Safaga–Duba route connecting Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

The results were presented during the company’s 88th General Assembly meeting, attended by Egyptian Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir, Jordanian Transport and Labor Minister Nedal Katamine, and Hazem Al-Hafazi, representing Iraqi Transport Minister Wahb Al-Hasani. Members of the company’s Board of Directors also participated in the meeting.

Director General Adnan Al-Abadleh outlined the company’s financial and operational achievements through September 30, 2026. He also presented its fleet modernization program, new route preparations and investment strategy for 2027.

Arab Bridge Maritime Profits Reach Historic High

Arab Bridge Maritime profits surpassed $40 million during the nine-month period ending September 30, 2026. According to Al-Abadleh, the company also recorded historic highs in revenue, assets, capital and shareholders’ equity.

Operational performance improved alongside the financial results. The number of trucks transported increased by 15%, while passenger volumes aboard the company’s vessels continued to grow.

Al-Abadleh emphasized that the results provide more than a financial milestone. They establish a stronger foundation for fleet modernization, entry into new markets and diversification of revenue sources.

The company plans to use its expanding financial and operational capabilities to pursue investments in maritime infrastructure, supporting services and additional shipping activities. These initiatives form part of its strategy to maintain sustainable growth and strengthen its competitive position in regional maritime transport.

Fleet Expansion Brings Capacity to 11 Marine Units

Fleet modernization represents a central component of Arab Bridge Maritime’s expansion strategy. The company announced the addition of two vessels and the completion of procedures to introduce another passenger and cargo ferry.

The newly added passenger and cargo ferry Al Jisr can accommodate 85 trucks and 254 passengers. Meanwhile, the high-speed craft Ashur has a passenger capacity of 312.

The company has also finalized procedures to add another passenger and cargo ferry with capacity for 110 trucks and 253 passengers. With the new additions, Arab Bridge Maritime’s fleet will comprise 11 marine units.

Al-Abadleh explained that expanding the fleet will improve operational flexibility and provide greater capacity to manage existing services and future routes. It will also support the company’s efforts to diversify its operations and strengthen its presence in the Red Sea maritime transport market and beyond.

The additional vessels are expected to support more frequent and reliable services for passengers and commercial vehicles. They will also provide greater flexibility as the company develops new maritime connections.

Safaga–Duba Route Leads New Red Sea Expansion Plans

Arab Bridge Maritime has begun preparations to operate its vessels on additional shipping routes, with the Safaga–Duba service between Egypt and Saudi Arabia identified as a priority.

The proposed connection will serve passenger, truck and cargo movements across the Red Sea. It forms part of the company’s broader plan to expand its geographical coverage and strengthen maritime connectivity between regional markets.

Egyptian Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir confirmed the ministry’s support for introducing the Safaga–Duba service. He emphasized the importance of deploying modern vessels on the route to improve maritime transport services and support trade with Saudi Arabia and the wider region.

El-Wazir also highlighted the route’s significance within Egypt’s emerging logistics network. According to the minister, the service will support the southern Arab trade corridor linking Europe, Egypt and the Gulf countries.

He explained that Egypt continues to develop its seaports and improve their operational efficiency. The government is also connecting ports with road networks, railways and dry ports through integrated international logistics corridors.

These initiatives form part of Egypt’s strategy to become a regional hub for transport, logistics and transit trade.

The minister added that increasing Arab Bridge Maritime’s fleet capacity could improve sailing frequency and service regularity. Better passenger and truck transport services would also facilitate cargo movements and strengthen the competitiveness of Egyptian exports in Arab markets.

El-Wazir reaffirmed support for the company’s plans to operate additional maritime routes serving international trade among Egypt, Jordan and Iraq.

New Investments in Sharm El-Sheikh and Aqaba Port

Beyond fleet expansion and new routes, Arab Bridge Maritime plans to broaden its activities through infrastructure projects and marine services.

The company’s 2027 business strategy seeks to gradually transform its operating model from one primarily focused on maritime transport into a more diversified maritime business. Its planned activities include infrastructure development, marine services, maritime industries and supporting operations.

Two investment projects form a central part of this strategy.

The first involves developing, operating and managing a boat maintenance and repair facility, known as a slipway, in Sharm El-Sheikh. Arab Bridge Maritime is pursuing the project in partnership with Egypt’s Red Sea Ports Authority.

El-Wazir said the facility will contribute to the development of supporting maritime services and industries at Red Sea ports.

He also linked the project to Egypt’s wider maritime development objectives, including upgrading national ports, expanding ship repair and maintenance capabilities, and strengthening the country’s position as a center for yacht tourism.

The second major project involves developing, managing and operating the passenger terminal at Aqaba Port in partnership with Aqaba Development Corporation.

The Aqaba terminal project aims to improve passenger services on the Aqaba–Nuweiba maritime route. It will also support Aqaba’s role in regional transport, trade and transit movements.

Jordanian Transport and Labor Minister Nedal Katamine highlighted the project’s importance for improving service quality and strengthening connectivity between the Arab Mashreq and North Africa.

Alongside these investments, Arab Bridge Maritime is expanding its adoption of digital solutions and technologies. The company aims to improve operational efficiency, modernize its services and enhance the experience of passengers and freight customers.

The digitalization program will also help the company adapt to developments across the maritime transport and marine services sectors.

Egypt, Jordan and Iraq Support Further Expansion

During the General Assembly meeting, representatives of the three founding countries expressed support for the company’s development strategy and investment plans.

El-Wazir said Arab Bridge Maritime’s results demonstrate progress beyond financial performance. He pointed to the company’s transition toward a broader business model combining fleet modernization, new maritime routes and diversified activities.

The Egyptian minister praised the company’s management and employees while emphasizing the continued cooperation among Egypt, Jordan and Iraq. He described Arab Bridge Maritime as a successful example of joint Arab economic cooperation and integration.

Katamine said the company’s performance demonstrates the ability of a jointly owned Arab maritime enterprise to grow on sustainable commercial and operational foundations.

He noted that profits exceeding $40 million in nine months provide a strong financial base for further investment. However, he also stressed that fleet and route expansion should proceed alongside improvements in maritime infrastructure and related services.

The Jordanian minister highlighted the company’s record results for the third consecutive year. He attributed the performance to the efforts of its executive management and employees and called for continued investment to sustain growth.

Representing Iraq’s transport minister, Hazem Al-Hafazi welcomed the company’s progress in expanding beyond its traditional maritime transport activities.

He said the development of infrastructure projects, marine industries and supporting services reflects the strategic direction adopted by the General Assembly.

Al-Hafazi also emphasized that stronger financial performance, fleet modernization and new maritime routes create opportunities to enhance links between the Arab Mashreq and North Africa. These developments could help the company benefit from regional trade and maritime connectivity opportunities.

A Broader Maritime Strategy for 2027

Arab Bridge Maritime’s 2027 plans place fleet expansion, service diversification and infrastructure investment at the center of its next development phase.

The company intends to build on its financial performance to establish a more integrated maritime business, combining passenger and freight transport with investments in port facilities, maintenance services and supporting maritime activities.

Al-Abadleh expressed appreciation for the continued support of the governments and transport ministries of Egypt, Jordan and Iraq, as well as the company’s General Assembly and Board of Directors.

He also acknowledged cooperation with the Red Sea Ports Authority and Aqaba Development Corporation, describing the joint projects as promising examples of Arab investment in the maritime sector.

The director general reaffirmed the company’s commitment to implementing its expansion strategy, drawing on more than four decades of experience in regional maritime transport operations.

Source: Egyptian Ministry of Transport

Shipping Arabia, October 3, 2026 – Egypt and Saudi Arabia discussed strengthening maritime connectivity, transport and logistics cooperation, with particular focus on linking their ports and integrating the two countries more closely into international trade corridors serving Europe and the Gulf.

Egyptian Minister of Transport Kamel El-Wazir held talks with Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser during El-Wazir’s visit to Germany from September 22 to 25 to participate in the InnoTrans exhibition and conference in Berlin.

The meeting covered opportunities to expand cooperation in transport, logistics and maritime connectivity. Both sides said stronger links could support bilateral trade, increase the use of the two countries’ geographic positions and strengthen their integration into international transport corridors.

Stronger Links Between Egyptian and Saudi Ports

The ministers discussed closer integration between Egyptian and Saudi ports as part of efforts to facilitate trade between the two countries and onward connections to other Gulf states.

Al-Jasser highlighted the depth of Saudi-Egyptian relations and the importance of expanding cooperation across transport sectors, particularly as both countries continue to develop their transport infrastructure.

El-Wazir also pointed to the potential for greater strategic integration between Egypt’s development plans and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. He said transport and logistics could form an important part of wider economic cooperation between the two countries.

The talks also addressed cooperation on international corridors. Both ministers emphasized the importance of coordinating their transport networks and maritime gateways to improve cargo flows between Egypt, Saudi Arabia and wider regional markets.

Southern Arab Trade Corridor Links Europe With the Gulf

A central focus of the meeting was the Southern Arab Trade Corridor, which is intended to connect Europe with Gulf countries through Egypt.

The corridor would use the Egypt-Italy RoRo service between Damietta Port and the Port of Trieste. Cargo would then move through Egypt using integrated international logistics corridors to Safaga Port on the Red Sea.

From Safaga, maritime services operated by Egyptian national companies would connect with NEOM Port, formerly Duba Port, in Saudi Arabia. Cargo could then continue to other Gulf countries.

The ministers highlighted the corridor as a means of improving connectivity between European and Gulf markets while making greater use of Egyptian and Saudi transport infrastructure.

The concept combines maritime services with inland logistics networks and port connections, creating a multimodal route extending from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea and onward to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf markets.

Egypt Plans Eight Integrated Logistics Corridors

El-Wazir also outlined Egypt’s plans to establish eight integrated logistics corridors. The corridors are intended to link industrial, agricultural and mining production areas with seaports and connect Red Sea ports with Mediterranean ports.

The planned system would use railway networks, including diesel rail and high-speed electric rail, as well as major road networks. The routes would also pass through dry ports and logistics zones located along the corridors.

According to El-Wazir, the strategy is designed to support Egypt’s objective of becoming a regional hub for transport, logistics and transit trade.

The supplied statement refers to the eight planned corridors but does not include the detailed list of individual routes.

Egypt and Saudi Arabia Seek Wider Transport Cooperation

The meeting also included broader discussions on economic, investment and trade cooperation between Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Both sides said the next phase should build on existing cooperation while opening wider opportunities for joint projects.

They also highlighted the role of the Egyptian-Saudi Supreme Coordination Council as an institutional framework for coordinating efforts and advancing bilateral cooperation.

The ministers said continued cooperation should focus on making greater use of the capabilities available in both countries, expanding joint economic and investment activity and strengthening mutual interests.

The discussions in Berlin reflected the two countries’ focus on transport and logistics as areas where stronger maritime connectivity and international corridor integration could support future trade growth.

Source: Egyptian Ministry of Transport