Sudanese Ports

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, October 4, 2026 – Sudan’s Sea Ports Corporation has ruled out any official move toward Sudan port privatization, while outlining plans to expand strategic partnerships, develop infrastructure and improve operational efficiency across the country’s port sector.

Hassan Jaafar, Deputy Director General of the Sea Ports Corporation and Chairman of the Higher Committee for the International Sudanese Ports Conference, said the state had rejected port privatization at the highest levels. He noted that some parties had previously proposed moving in that direction.

Jaafar said ideas concerning partnerships remain at the proposal stage. Any future move, he added, would be subject to carefully considered decisions by the state and the relevant authorities.

Sudan Port Privatization Ruled Out as Partnerships Remain Under Study

The clarification addresses debate over the future ownership structure of Sudanese ports. Rather than pursuing privatization, the Sea Ports Corporation is focusing on potential strategic partnerships alongside infrastructure development and improvements in operational performance.

Jaafar stressed that proposed partnerships should not be interpreted as an approved change in ownership policy. At this stage, they remain ideas under consideration and would require formal assessment and approval before implementation.

Ports Conference to Address Handling and Infrastructure

Jaafar said the International Sudanese Ports Conference will examine four principal areas linked to the performance and development of the port sector.

One of the main themes will be the modernization of cargo-handling procedures, which he described as central to port operations from a vessel’s arrival through to berthing.

The conference will also examine infrastructure challenges, including the condition and capacity of berths, handling equipment of different sizes, port yards and storage facilities.

Another area of discussion will focus on supply chains and the smooth movement of trade. This is intended to support more efficient import and export operations.

The fourth area will cover the laws and regulations governing the port sector.

Proposal Would Create a National Maritime Authority

Jaafar also revealed that there is a serious proposal to transform the Sea Ports Corporation into a “National Maritime Authority.”

If the related study is approved, the restructured entity would formally represent the state’s maritime authority.

The proposal would therefore change the institutional role of the current corporation, although Jaafar indicated that implementation remains dependent on approval of the study.

Full Port Automation Still Requires Further Study

Addressing concerns about the potential impact of modernization and automation on employment, Jaafar said human resources would continue to play a fundamental role in cargo handling, loading and unloading operations.

He said Sudanese ports have not yet reached the stage of full automation or comprehensive digitalization. Moving toward that level of technology would require specialized studies and substantial budgets.

The Sea Ports Corporation’s current direction therefore combines operational modernization with continued reliance on human resources, while broader plans for partnerships, infrastructure development and institutional reform remain subject to state-level review and approval.

Source: Al Arabiya