Shipping Arabia, October 8, 2026 – The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) and Kenya’s Tunasco are exploring a partnership focused on port development and marine construction in Kenya, including the potential establishment of a specialized company to undertake projects in the East African country.
Adm. Ossama Rabiee, Chairman and Managing Director of the Suez Canal Authority, discussed the proposal with Tunasco Chairman Abdul Wali Sharif during a meeting at the authority’s headquarters in Ismailia.
The talks focused on opportunities for cooperation in the construction and development of ports in Kenya as the SCA seeks to expand its activities into African markets and contribute to regional development initiatives.
Proposed company for port and marine construction projects
During the meeting, the two sides discussed the possibility of forming a partnership between Tunasco and the Suez Canal Authority through Timsah Shipbuilding Company, one of the authority’s affiliated companies.
Under the proposal, the partners would establish a specialized company to operate in port works and marine construction in Kenya.
The meeting was also attended by Abdel Hakim Zakaria, Director of the Companies Department; Ahmed Ibrahim, Chairman of Timsah Shipbuilding Company; and Maj. Gen. Ehab Abdel Fattah and Maj. Gen. Assem El-Safty, board members of the Kenyan-Egyptian company.
SCA targets wider African markets
Rabiee said the Suez Canal Authority aims to open new markets across Africa and participate actively in development efforts based on the strategic interests and partnership relations linking Egypt with African countries.
He said the authority is ready to contribute to the development of Kenya’s marine infrastructure and transfer its expertise in sectors connected with maritime activity.
Potential areas of cooperation include port development, marine construction, dredging, shipbuilding, maritime unit construction and training.
The discussions therefore extend beyond port construction alone, with the SCA positioning its technical and operational capabilities across several maritime fields as part of the proposed cooperation.
Tunasco seeks access to SCA expertise
Sharif said Tunasco is looking to establish close cooperation with the Suez Canal Authority and benefit from its technical capabilities, human resources and extensive experience across different maritime activities.
He said cooperation with the SCA has been welcomed by the Kenyan government, particularly amid closer Egyptian-Kenyan relations over the past five years.
According to Sharif, the coming period is expected to include bilateral meetings with several Kenyan government officials. These discussions are intended to establish a general framework for cooperation and begin the steps required for implementation.
Tunasco brings local presence in Kenya
Tunasco has a local presence in Kenya and is involved in multiple infrastructure development projects.
The company’s position in the Kenyan market, combined with the SCA’s technical capabilities and the participation of Timsah Shipbuilding Company, forms the basis of the proposed partnership under discussion.
The talks remain focused on establishing a framework for cooperation in Kenya, with further government-level discussions expected before implementation steps begin.
Source: Suez Canal Authority