Egypt showcased significant advancements in its maritime sector during World Maritime Day in Alexandria, held on September 22, 2026. Transport Minister Al-Wazir highlighted remarkable growth in cargo and container volumes for 2025, despite ongoing geopolitical challenges. This event was framed around the International Maritime Organization’s 2026 theme, emphasizing the importance of transforming policy into actionable practices to elevate maritime standards globally.
Improvement in Global Shipping Connectivity
Al-Wazir attributed the surge in shipping activity to strategic investments in container and multipurpose terminals, as well as enhanced partnerships with global shipping lines and terminal operators. Notably, Egypt advanced to the 19th position on the Liner Shipping Connectivity Index, a significant leap from the 23rd in 2024. This data places Egypt as the top nation in Africa and the second in the Arab world. The index assesses countries’ integration into global shipping networks by evaluating factors such as ship arrivals, container-handling capacity, available shipping services, and connections to other nations. The Egyptian government aspires to secure a spot among the world’s top 15 by 2030 through further development of port infrastructure and an increase in operational capacity, aiming to attract industry giants like Maersk, Mediterranean Shipping Company, and CMA CGM.
Development of Logistics Corridors
Egypt is also in the process of developing eight international logistics corridors that will link the Mediterranean and Red Sea ports with the Suez Canal and various dry ports, industrial zones, and agricultural hubs. These corridors will interconnect via a comprehensive national railway network and a high-speed electric railway, aiming to minimize cargo handling time and costs while solidifying ties with regions including the Gulf, Levant, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Notable corridors include Arish-Taba, Sokhna-Alexandria, and Safaga-Qena-Abu Tartour. Among them, the Berenice-Douala corridor aims to connect Egypt’s Red Sea coast with landlocked African markets.
Minister Al-Wazir emphasized that the success of these initiatives lies in their ability to improve efficiency and sustainability within maritime operations, adapting to shifting global trends. He remarked on Egypt’s strategic geographic location, which positions the country as a vital channel for international trade, prompting the government to prioritize maritime transport as a key component of its economic development and aim to establish itself as a pivotal transport and logistics hub.
Fleet Expansion and Environmental Initiatives
As part of its ambitious port development plan, Egypt is working on establishing five new commercial ports, which would increase the total number to 19 while expanding their area to 100 million square meters. This plan includes adding 70 kilometers of berths, deepening existing ones to handle larger vessels, and constructing extensive breakwaters. The nation is also investing in maritime channels and increasing its tugboat fleet to enhance operational efficiency. The goal is to boost Egypt’s commercial fleet to about 40 ships by 2030, capable of moving up to 30 million tons of goods annually.
In line with global environmental standards, Egypt is committed to transitioning to greener practices in its maritime operations. The government is promoting sustainable ports, shore-to-ship power supply solutions, low-emission fuels, and green hydrogen projects. Al-Wazir underscored Alexandria’s role as the site of the regional IMO office, supporting technical collaboration and knowledge exchange across the Middle East and North Africa.
The Egyptian government remains committed to adhering to international maritime agreements and enhancing legislative frameworks, alongside digitalization and personnel training initiatives. Al-Wazir pointed out that Egypt’s involvement in IMO activities has reinforced its position, resulting in its re-election to the council. The Maritime Transport Sector organized the day’s events, which included influential speeches and the presentation of a film illustrating the growth of Egypt’s maritime sector.