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)
