SCZONE

Shipping Arabia, October 16, 2026 – Egypt and Tanzania have explored opportunities for Sokhna–Dar es Salaam port cooperation to strengthen maritime transport, logistics connectivity and trade links between the two countries. The discussions took place during an official Tanzanian delegation’s visit to Sokhna Port, where both sides examined opportunities to expand transit trade and improve access to East African markets.

The delegation, led by Tanzania’s Minister of Transport, Prof. Makame Mbarawa, visited Sokhna Port, which operates under the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE). The visit focused on the port’s infrastructure development, operational capabilities and expanding role within Egypt’s multimodal transport network.

The Tanzanian delegation was received by Egypt’s Deputy Minister of Transport for Railways, the head of Sokhna Port’s Central Administration and the executive director of the Sokhna Port Development Project. Officials briefed the visitors on the port’s activities, operating terminals and ongoing infrastructure improvements.

Sokhna Port Expansion Strengthens Maritime and Logistics Capabilities

During the visit, Egyptian officials presented the major development and modernization projects undertaken at Sokhna Port. These investments aim to strengthen the port’s competitiveness and expand its ability to accommodate different vessel types and sizes.

The development program includes the addition of approximately 18 kilometers of quays, alongside cargo handling yards and logistics areas covering more than 9 million square meters. The project also involves extensive infrastructure improvements and the deepening of navigation channels, bringing water depths to 19 meters.

These upgrades are designed to enhance the port’s operational capabilities and its ability to handle a wider range of maritime traffic. The expansion of cargo handling and logistics facilities also supports Sokhna Port’s development as an integrated logistics hub serving international trade and investment.

Sokhna–Alexandria Logistics Corridor Supports Multimodal Connectivity

The Tanzanian delegation also reviewed Sokhna Port’s connections with Egypt’s modern road network and high-speed electric railway project. The railway is designed to link Sokhna Port on the Red Sea with Alexandria Port on the Mediterranean, passing through industrial zones along the Sokhna–Alexandria Logistics Corridor.

This transport corridor is a key element of the port’s integration with Egypt’s wider multimodal logistics network. It aims to facilitate cargo movements between maritime gateways, industrial areas and inland transport infrastructure.

By combining maritime facilities with road and rail connectivity, the corridor is intended to strengthen Sokhna Port’s position as an integrated logistics center. It also supports the movement of goods, trade-related investment and the development of transit cargo operations.

The delegation received an overview of how these transport connections contribute to the port’s logistics capabilities and its role in facilitating trade flows.

Egypt and Tanzania Discuss Port Connectivity and East African Trade

A central focus of the visit was the potential for closer maritime and logistics cooperation between Egypt and Tanzania, particularly through connections between Sokhna Port and Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam Port.

The two sides discussed opportunities to establish stronger cooperation between the ports, with an emphasis on supporting bilateral trade and improving maritime transport and logistics links.

The proposed cooperation also aims to facilitate wider market access for products moving between Egypt and Tanzania. In addition, the discussions addressed opportunities to strengthen transit trade with East African countries through improved port and logistics connectivity.

The talks highlighted the potential role of Sokhna Port’s expanding infrastructure and multimodal transport connections in supporting future cooperation with Tanzania’s maritime sector.

The visit formed part of discussions aimed at identifying opportunities for practical cooperation in maritime transport and logistics, with particular attention to trade connectivity between Egypt, Tanzania and wider East African markets.

Source: Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE)

Shipping Arabia, October 10, 2026 – The AROYA cruise ship visited Egypt’s Sokhna Port on Sunday, October 4, carrying 1,327 tourists of various nationalities. The vessel arrived from Sharm El Sheikh and berthed at the DP World terminal within Sokhna Port, which operates under the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE).

The cruise ship is owned by Cruise Saudi, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). Its visit formed part of an Egyptian itinerary that included Sharm El Sheikh, Sokhna and Alexandria.

During the Sokhna port call, passengers were scheduled to travel to Cairo for sightseeing excursions before returning to the vessel on the same day. The visit highlighted the port’s role in accommodating international cruise ships and facilitating access to Egypt’s tourism destinations.

AROYA Cruise Ship Specifications and Sokhna Port Call

The Malta-flagged AROYA measures 303 meters in length, with a beam of 39.2 meters and a draft of 8.2 meters. Rhapsody served as the vessel’s shipping agent during the visit.

Following its arrival from Sharm El Sheikh, the cruise ship berthed at the terminal operated by DP World at Sokhna Port. The vessel was scheduled to depart later that evening for Alexandria Port, continuing its cruise itinerary along Egypt’s coastline.

The port call brought 1,327 international tourists to Sokhna, with Cairo included in the planned shore excursion program. Passengers were expected to return aboard before the ship’s scheduled evening departure.

SCZONE Highlights Sokhna Port’s Cruise Handling Capabilities

According to the Suez Canal Economic Zone, the arrival of AROYA demonstrated Sokhna Port’s operational readiness and its ability to accommodate different types of vessels.

SCZONE emphasized that the port maintains the operational capabilities required to handle vessel calls in accordance with high standards of efficiency and safety. The cruise ship’s visit also reflected the port’s role in supporting maritime tourism alongside its wider shipping activities.

The economic zone continues to work on improving the efficiency and operational readiness of its ports. These efforts aim to strengthen their ability to receive vessels and support maritime traffic, international trade and tourism.

Supporting Egypt’s Maritime and Cruise Tourism Activities

SCZONE considers the development of its port infrastructure and operational capabilities an important component of strengthening Egypt’s position within regional and international maritime transport networks.

The authority’s ongoing efforts focus on enhancing port readiness and improving services for different vessel categories, including cruise ships.

AROYΑ’s visit to Sokhna Port formed part of these maritime activities, connecting a Red Sea port call with planned tourism excursions to Cairo and an onward voyage to Alexandria.

By continuing to improve port capabilities and operational efficiency, SCZONE aims to support shipping, trade and tourism while reinforcing the position of its ports within the regional and international maritime industry.

Source: Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE)

Shipping Arabia, October 1, 2026 – The Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) has signed a contract with Nafith Egypt Logistics Services to develop and operate a digitally managed Sokhna Port truck yard, with investments exceeding EGP 1 billion. The 167,000-square-meter project will have capacity to handle 1,100 trucks per day when fully operational.

SCZONE Chairman Moustafa Shaikhon witnessed the signing ceremony for the project, which will introduce a digital system to manage truck movements at Sokhna Port.

The contract was signed by Captain Ahmed Gamal, Vice Chairman of SCZONE for the Southern Region; Abir Leheta, Chairman of Nafith Egypt Logistics Services and Managing Director of Egytrans Nosco; and Noura Mehyar, Vice Chairman of Nafith Egypt and Managing Director of Nafith International.

Sokhna Port Truck Yard to Use Real-Time Digital Planning

The new truck-management system will use advanced technology through Nafith’s digital platforms. It will also employ real-time planning of truck movements to reduce congestion inside Sokhna Port.

At full operation, the yard will have capacity for 1,100 trucks per day. Its 167,000-square-meter footprint and investment of more than EGP 1 billion make the project a significant addition to the port’s logistics infrastructure.

Shaikhon said the project represents another step in strengthening Sokhna Port’s logistics capabilities. He added that the digital system will support more efficient management of truck movements by using technology and real-time planning to limit congestion within the port.

The project also supports SCZONE’s efforts to position the economic zone as an integrated route for logistics services and activities at both regional and international levels.

SCZONE Continues Port Development With Private Sector

Shaikhon said SCZONE continues to comprehensively develop the infrastructure and superstructure across its ports, while also upgrading working methods and operating systems in partnership with local and international private-sector companies.

He said these efforts follow state directives to strengthen SCZONE’s position as a preferred destination for global investment. In particular, he highlighted the integration between the authority’s ports and industrial zones.

According to Shaikhon, this integration plays an active role in connecting global supply chains. It also supports the state’s objectives of increasing exports and localizing industry within targeted sectors.

The Nafith Egypt project forms part of this wider approach by combining physical logistics infrastructure with digital management of truck traffic. The system is intended to improve the organization of truck movements within Sokhna Port while supporting the port’s broader logistics capabilities.

Strategic Location Supports SCZONE Logistics Role

Shaikhon also pointed to the strategic location of SCZONE’s ports, describing them as a link between the world’s continents. He said this geographic position strengthens the economic zone’s role as an integrated platform for logistics services and activities.

In addition, he highlighted international free-trade agreements that provide access to more than 3.5 billion consumers worldwide. SCZONE sees the combination of its ports, industrial zones and logistics activities as an important element in integrating supply chains and supporting Egypt’s export and industrial development objectives.

The new Sokhna Port truck yard will add a digitally managed truck-handling facility to that network, with Nafith’s platforms providing the technological framework for real-time traffic planning and congestion reduction at the port.

Source: Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE)