Shipping Arabia

AD Ports Group Announces Completion of Major Restructuring and Integration of Noatum Shipping Arabia, December 28, 2024 — AD Ports Group has successfully completed its largest restructuring effort to date, following the integration of the Noatum Group, a significant move that propels the company into the global arena as a top-tier container port operator. This strategic overhaul was initiated after AD Ports Group's acquisition of the Spain-based Noatum for Dhs2.65 billion ($720 million) in 2023. Noatum, which operates 16 terminals in Spain and provides comprehensive logistics services across 32 countries, has been fully assimilated into AD Ports Group’s operational structure. The integration aligns with AD Ports Group’s ambitious international expansion strategy. Key organizational changes include the merger of Noatum Maritime into SAFEEN Group, now rebranded as Noatum Maritime, and the transformation of Noatum Terminals into Noatum Ports, which will now manage AD Ports Group’s international port operations. Additionally, Noatum Logistics has been overseeing the Logistics Cluster of AD Ports Group since July 2023. These structural adjustments have expanded AD Ports Group's operational footprint to 33 terminals in over 50 countries, enhancing operating efficiencies and fostering synergies that drive cross-selling opportunities and facilitate entry into new markets. The group’s rapid growth trajectory has seen its revenue triple since 2021, bolstered by both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, including Noatum and the Dubai-based Global Feeder Shipping (GFS), purchased for Dhs1.9 billion. These expansions, alongside ventures in Egypt, Central Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa, have significantly raised AD Ports Group’s profile on the global stage. This year, the group's enhanced capabilities and expanded global presence earned it a place in Drewry International’s rankings of the world’s top 20 largest container port operators and the 40th spot in Lloyd’s List Top 100 global rankings. Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO and MD of AD Ports Group, highlighted the strategic importance of this integration: “The successful incorporation of Noatum’s assets and capabilities marks a pivotal milestone for AD Ports Group. This expansion not only enhances our international brand equity but also sets the stage for further growth and market leadership.” This restructuring not only prioritizes shareholder value by maximizing collaboration and synergy across the group’s clusters but also solidifies AD Ports Group’s competitive position in the global market, promising sustained growth in both top and bottom lines. Source: Gulf Business #ADPorts #Noatum #Maritime #Integration #Restructuring

Suez Canal Authority Launches Marine Anti-Pollution Fleet with Advanced Waste Collection Services Shipping Arabia, December 28, 2024 — H.E Admiral Ossama Rabiee, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), today announced the arrival of the Anti-Pollution Egypt fleet's marine units at the Suez Canal. This development marks a significant step towards the initiation of waste collection services for vessels transiting through the Canal's northern and southern entrances, set to begin in early 2025. During an inspection tour at the Al-Irshad Building berth in Ismailia Governorate, Admiral Rabiee highlighted that the forthcoming service would adhere to international environmental standards as mandated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The service will feature advanced marine technology for environmentally safe waste removal operations. The flagship of this eco-friendly fleet, the ECO SUEZ 1, boasts an efficient hull design, environmentally friendly paints, and low-emission engines designed for optimal fuel efficiency. The fleet also includes several self-propelled marine barges and rigid inflatable boats (RIB). Further enhancing the SCA’s green initiatives, Admiral Rabiee noted that the authority is collaborating with its shipyards and companies to construct additional eco-friendly waste collection vessels, including potential hybrid units that utilize alternative fuels. The waste collection service aligns with the Suez Canal Authority’s strategy for environmental sustainability, which involves integrating green policies across various operational facets. This strategy is underscored by the SCA’s commitment to maintain a permanent environmental representative to oversee the service. Additionally, the authority is working closely with the Egyptian Marine Supply and Contracting Company and other entities within the Ministry of Transport to ensure that contractors are well-trained in international waste collection standards. Mr. Vyron Vasileiadis, Chairman of V Group, the operational partner in this initiative, emphasized the project's role in advancing sustainable waste management technology within the Suez Canal region. He outlined the project’s phased implementation, starting with the collection of solid waste from ships in waiting areas and eventually leading to the establishment of a waste-to-fuel plant for producing green hydrogen. Antipollution Egypt, a joint venture between the Suez Canal Authority, Greek firm Antipollution, and Egyptian-Greek businessman Eric Adam, reflects a comprehensive approach to enhancing the logistic services offered to canal-transiting vessels by adopting the latest international environmental standards. This initiative not only supports the SCA’s green transformation goals but also positions the Suez Canal as a leader in sustainable maritime operations. Source: Suez Canal Authority #SuezCanal #Maritime #Egypt #IMO #AntiPollution

Iraq Prepares to Restore National Flag on Its Ships After Decades Shipping Arabia, December 28, 2024 — Iraqi maritime officials announced plans to reestablish the Iraqi flag on its fleet, transitioning from the Jordanian flag used since the 1990s due to sanctions. This change aligns with upcoming international inspections and reflects Iraq's readiness to comply with International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards, bolstered by developments at the Grand Al-Faw Port and the increasing regional support for the Development Road project, linking China to Europe. Since the 1990s, Iraqi ships have sailed under the Jordanian flag, a measure initiated after a 1996 memorandum of understanding between Iraq and Jordan, following the lowering of the Iraqi flag in 1990 due to international sanctions. The anticipated switch back to the Iraqi flag is a significant step in Iraq's ongoing efforts to meet IMO requirements, including key conventions such as the STCW for seafarers' training and certification, the III Code for state responsibilities, as well as SOLAS and MARPOL conventions, load lines, cargo agreements, and the ISPS Code for security. Abbas Kazem, Director of Maritime Inspection at the General Company for Ports, emphasized the strategic importance of meeting IMO standards to enhance Iraq’s maritime reputation. Successful adherence to these standards is expected to increase the number of global shipping lines entering Iraqi ports, especially with the operationalization of the Grand Al-Faw Port. He noted that the mandatory ship inspections scheduled for next year are crucial for Iraq to rejoin the IMO White List and raise its flag on global ports. Mazen Al-Kaabi, Iraq's Permanent Representative to the IMO, expressed confidence in Iraq's commitment to international maritime safety standards. He highlighted that the adherence to these standards would not only facilitate the entry of larger vessels into Iraqi ports but also reinforce Iraq’s position in international maritime forums and enable the registration of its ships in global ports under the Iraqi flag. This shift signifies a pivotal moment for Iraq as it moves towards reclaiming its place in the global maritime community, with potential economic benefits including increased employment and commercial activity within its ports. Source: 964 Media #Iraq #Jordan #Maritime #ISPS #IMO #Fleet

Chamber of Commerce Explores Export Opportunities via Egypt-Italy RoRo Shipping Line at Damietta Port Shipping Arabia, December 28, 2024 — The Damietta Chamber of Commerce recently visited Damietta Port’s RoRo terminal to explore export opportunities facilitated by the RoRo shipping line connecting Egypt to Italy. This visit comes in response to directives from Lieutenant General Eng. Kamel El-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, emphasizing the enhancement of investment and export opportunities through the maritime link between Damietta and Trieste ports. The delegation, led by Mr. Mohamed Abdel Latif Fayed, Chairman of the Chamber, and hosted by Rear Admiral Eng. Ahmed Hamdy Abdel Aziz, Deputy Chairman of the Damietta Port Authority, toured the facility where the OLYMPOS SEAWAYS vessel was docked during its fourth voyage. During the visit, the delegation reviewed the strategic advantages and operational capabilities of the RoRo service, which offers significant benefits such as reduced transit times for refrigerated and dry truck cargoes. They discussed the facilitation of exports across a diverse range of Egyptian products including textiles, vegetables, fruits, and particularly perishable agricultural goods to European markets. Key procedural and operational enhancements agreed upon by Egyptian and Italian authorities were highlighted, aimed at smoothing logistical processes at both Damietta and Trieste ports and offering competitive pricing advantages to exporters. The members of the Chamber expressed their appreciation for the efforts of Lieutenant General Eng. Kamel El-Wazir in promoting this pivotal project and recognized the commitment of the leadership at Damietta Port in advancing export capabilities through this maritime route. This project is poised to bolster Egypt’s role as a central logistics hub linking Europe and Africa, capitalizing on European land transport expertise to enhance trade, support Egyptian industrial and agricultural exports, and facilitate market entry in Europe. The strategic positioning of Trieste Port as a transshipment hub further amplifies the competitive advantage of Egyptian products in the European market, promising reduced shipping costs and faster transit times. Source: Damietta Port Authority #Damietta #Ports #Egypt #Italy #RORO

Libyan National Shipping Company Delegation Explores Collaboration with Aqaba Maritime Education and Training Center Shipping Arabia, December 28, 2024 — A delegation from the Libyan National Shipping Company visited the Aqaba Maritime Education and Training Center to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in maritime training and capacity building. The visit underscores a shared commitment to advancing professional standards and expertise in the maritime sector across the region. The delegation, comprising senior officials from the Libyan National Shipping Company, toured the center's state-of-the-art facilities and received briefings on its advanced training programs and cutting-edge technologies designed to prepare specialized human resources for the maritime transport industry. Discussions during the visit focused on developing collaborative frameworks for advanced training programs aligned with global maritime standards. Both parties emphasized the importance of equipping maritime professionals with skills and knowledge that reflect the latest trends and innovations in the sector, ensuring efficiency, safety, and operational excellence. Officials from the Libyan National Shipping Company commended the Aqaba center for its exceptional training infrastructure, experienced faculty, and commitment to delivering high-quality educational programs. They highlighted the value of ongoing collaboration to address shared challenges, enhance maritime safety and security, and foster sustainable growth in the maritime transport industry. The visit marks a significant step towards strengthening regional partnerships in maritime education and training. Both sides expressed optimism about future cooperation, aiming to build a skilled workforce capable of supporting the evolving needs of the maritime industry while contributing to the sector's long-term development and resilience. Source: Aqaba Maritime Education and Training Center #Aqaba #Training #Maritime #Libya #Shipping

Alexandria Port Reports 52.1% Surge in Cargo Throughput for November 2024 Shipping Arabia, December 28, 2024 — The Alexandria Port Authority recorded a substantial increase in cargo throughput in November 2024, highlighting a 52.1% year-on-year growth in general cargo volumes. This surge underscores the port’s growing role as a key maritime gateway in the region, with approximately 750.2 thousand tons of general cargo handled during the month, compared to 493.1 thousand tons in November 2023. Liquid bulk cargo followed with a notable increase of 41.8%, reaching 839.2 thousand tons, up from 592 thousand tons in the same period last year. Dry bulk cargo also demonstrated strong growth, rising by 38.4% to approximately 2.7 million tons, compared to 1.9 million tons in November 2023. Meanwhile, containerized cargo registered a 7.8% increase, with throughput reaching 2 million tons and container volumes totaling around 187,000 TEUs. The overall cargo throughput at Alexandria Port reached 6.2 million tons in November 2024, marking an impressive 28.7% increase compared to November 2023. This growth was accompanied by a parallel rise in vessel traffic. Liquid bulk vessels led with a 46.1% increase, followed by dry bulk vessels at 30%, ro-ro vessels at 15.3%, and container vessels at 6%. Total vessel movements increased by 4.8% year-on-year, with 454 vessels calling at the port in November 2024. This robust performance reflects the Alexandria Port Authority's strategic focus on operational excellence, driven by the leadership of Rear Admiral Ahmed Abdel Moati Hawash, Chairman of the Board. Under his guidance, the port has implemented advanced monitoring systems, streamlined towing and piloting operations, and adopted state-of-the-art technologies to enhance efficiency in berthing, departure, and cargo handling processes. These measures have significantly improved throughput capacity, reduced congestion, and elevated operational reliability at Alexandria Port. As the port continues to build on these achievements, it is well-positioned to further solidify its role as a pivotal hub for regional and international maritime trade. Source: Al Mal News #Alexandria #Maritime #Ports #Egypt #Shipping

Costa Smeralda Makes Maiden Call at Doha Port, Boosting Qatar’s Cruise Tourism Sector Shipping Arabia, December 27, 2024 — Doha Port welcomed the maiden arrival of Costa Smeralda, one of the world’s most advanced cruise ships, marking a key milestone in Qatar’s cruise tourism journey. Operated by Costa Cruises, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation & PLC, the Italian-flagged vessel brought 6,089 passengers and 1,604 crew members to Qatar’s state-of-the-art Cruise Terminal. The visit aligns with Qatar Tourism’s vision for the 2024–2025 cruise season, which commenced last month with the arrival of Resorts World One. Authorities expect this season to set records, with 95 scheduled cruise calls and over 430,000 visitors projected between November 2024 and April 2025. This growth underscores Qatar's rising prominence as a key regional hub for marine tourism. Spanning 323.6 meters in length and 37.2 meters in width, Costa Smeralda showcases modern maritime engineering and luxury facilities. The vessel boasts 1,550 cabins, two swimming pools, a health club, and 11 diverse restaurants, offering an unmatched experience for its 6,600-passenger capacity. Qatar Tourism’s strategic focus on enhancing cruise infrastructure and passenger services is central to its national tourism strategy. The modern Cruise Terminal at Doha Port, combined with Qatar's rich cultural heritage and contemporary attractions, serves as a strong draw for leading global cruise operators. The arrival of Costa Smeralda highlights the effectiveness of Qatar’s investments in sustainable tourism infrastructure and its dedication to offering seamless travel experiences. As the cruise season gains momentum, Qatar is well-positioned to welcome visitors from around the world, combining its unique blend of tradition, luxury, and world-class hospitality to solidify its status as a premier global cruise destination. Source: Mwani Qatar #Mwani #Qatar #Tourism #Cruise #Maritime #Travel #CostaCruises

TMT Transportation & Trading Invests EGP 100 Million in New Alexandria Container Terminal Shipping Arabia, December 27, 2024 — TMT Trans Misr Transportation & Trading has announced the inauguration of the Hosny El-Antably Terminal in Alexandria, with a substantial investment of EGP 100 million dedicated to the storage of empty containers. The new facility spans 7,500 square meters and boasts a capacity of up to 1,500 TEUs. Mohamed El-Antably, Chairman and Managing Director of TMT, revealed that this investment marks the completion of the terminal's first phase. The company, a stalwart in the Egyptian logistics market since 1971, offers comprehensive services including sea, air, and land freight, transportation, and customs clearance. Looking ahead, TMT plans to launch a second phase in the first quarter of 2025. This expansion will encompass an additional 3,000 square meters with over EGP 50 million in further investments. The upcoming phase will enhance services for consolidated (LCL) and full containers (FCL), including amenities for storage pending customs clearance, as well as container repair and washing facilities. The expansion aims to establish a fully integrated customs area, positioning the terminal to support growth within Egypt’s transportation sector. El-Antably also emphasized the company’s robust equipment arsenal, consisting of 75 units including diverse transport vehicles, cranes, and advanced machinery. Safety and security of cargo are paramount, managed through cutting-edge technologies such as GPS and Twist Lock systems, operated by highly trained personnel. TMT maintains a comprehensive branch network across all major Egyptian ports and airports, ensuring efficient client service. The company is recognized for its high standards with ISO certification and affiliations with prestigious organizations such as FIATA, IATA, FONASBA, BIMCO, and the Alexandria Chamber of Shipping. Recently, TMT was honored as the Best Agent in Africa and the Middle East by the PANGEA Global Freight Network, underscoring its reputation as a leader in the global logistics and freight industry. Source: Al Mal News #TMT #Egypt #Alexandria #ContainerTerminal #Maritime

Damietta Port Set for Green Transformation by 2030 Shipping Arabia, December 27, 2024 — Damietta Port is undergoing significant enhancements with several major development projects aimed at increasing its capacity and operational efficiency, reinforcing its role as a critical node in boosting Egypt's international trade. Key development initiatives currently underway include the construction of the Tahya Misr 1 Container Terminal and the Tahya Misr 2 Multipurpose Terminal. Complementing these are the Western and Eastern Breakwaters and an advanced Grain and Cereal Handling Terminal, which features an 850-meter quay designed to handle large volumes efficiently. In line with global environmental trends and Egypt’s commitment to sustainability, there is a comprehensive plan to transform Damietta Port into a green port by 2030. This transformation will involve the integration of substantial green spaces designed to absorb carbon emissions and purify the air, contributing significantly to environmental conservation. The port will also implement the Just-In-Time (JIT) system to reduce ship waiting times, thereby lowering harmful emissions and optimizing fuel use. Further enhancing its green credentials, Damietta Port plans to introduce the Onshore Power Supply (OPS) system, which will provide docked ships with shore-side electrical power, eliminating the need for onboard generators and significantly reducing air pollution. These initiatives mark a pivotal step in Damietta Port’s strategy to not only expand its physical and operational capacity but also to emerge as a leader in environmental sustainability within the maritime industry. By adopting these innovative systems and infrastructure improvements, Damietta Port is poised to play a crucial role in Egypt's vision of becoming a more sustainable and efficient maritime hub by the end of the decade. Source: Masrawy News #Damietta #GreenPort #Sustainability #Maritime

Saudi Ports Authority Welcomes New MXS1 Shipping Service at Jeddah Islamic Port Shipping Arabia, December 27, 2024 — The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has enhanced Jeddah Islamic Port's global connectivity with the introduction of the "MXS1" shipping service by Silmar Group. This addition marks a significant step in bolstering the export and import capabilities of the port, promoting efficient and secure maritime operations. Mawani's latest initiative is part of its strategic efforts to elevate Saudi Arabia’s ranking on the Maritime Connectivity Index and augment the operational efficiency of its ports. The integration of the MXS1 service is aligned with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which seeks to position Saudi Arabia as a pivotal logistics hub bridging three continents. The MXS1 service route includes stops at key international ports such as Mundra in India, Karachi in Pakistan, Mersin and Yarimca in Turkey, and Jebel Ali in the UAE. With a capacity of 2,076 TEUs, this service is set to enhance the logistical flow and strengthen connectivity between Saudi Arabia and these crucial markets. This collaboration with Silmar Group and other global shipping companies plays a critical role in the ongoing development of Saudi ports. These partnerships are instrumental in enhancing the competitive edge of Saudi ports, upgrading infrastructure, and expanding maritime transport lines, thereby optimizing operational and logistical services across the board. Source: Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) #Mawani #Jeddah #Maritime #SaudiArabia #SilmarGroup