Minister of Transport Kamel El Wazir said the ministry is working on executing a comprehensive plan to upgrade Egyptian ports nationwide, pursuant to presidential directives to turn Egypt into a trade and logistics hub.
Wazir made the remarks on Saturday 15/10/2022 during a visit to the West Port Said Port where he inspected the Port Said Container & Cargo Handling Company (PSCCHC) and followed up the progress of some of the development projects pursued by the port’s economic authority.
He said the ministry is working on building and upgrading new quays extending over 35 km long and ranging between 15-18 meters deep along the Red Sea coast in Safaga and Ain Sokhna, and the Mediterranean coast in Alexandria, Damietta and Port Said, taking total length of quays at Egyptian seaports to 76 km.
In addition, a total of 6 km-long breakwaters are under construction, the minister said, adding that the ministry is also working for deepening shipping routes to increase port annual handling capacity from 135 million tons to 400 tons.
During his visit, Wazir also followed up the latest developments related to a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with MAHA Capital, the investment arm of Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), to set up a general framework for mutual cooperation within the coming period.
The MoU opens the door to embarking on the feasibility studies necessary for joint port projects, as a first step towards further cooperation for upgrading the West Port Said container terminal to enhance its efficiency, expand the scope of its activities, and boost its competitiveness.
Source: State Information Service Egypt