The agreement was signed between the General Authority for Land and Dry Ports (LDP) and Sky Ports. The memorandum was signed by Sayed Metwally, Chairperson of the General Authority for Land and Dry Ports, and Tarek Hussein, Chairperson of Sky Ports, in the presence of Nehad Shaheen, Deputy Minister of Transport for Maritime Transport, Ashraf El Lozy, Assistant Minister for Authorities and Companies, and Mohamed Fathy, Adviser to the Minister for Maritime Transport.

Al-Wazir said the agreement aligns with the Ministry of Transport’s strategy to implement directives issued by President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi aimed at transforming Egypt into a regional hub for transport, logistics and transit trade.

The project also forms part of a broader national plan to establish 33 dry ports and logistics zones across Egypt, alongside seven integrated logistics corridors linking industrial, agricultural and mining production centres with seaports, while connecting ports on the Red Sea with those on the Mediterranean.

These corridors are designed to serve emerging urban communities through railway networks and major road infrastructure, passing through dry ports and logistics zones situated along the routes. The Borg El Arab dry port and logistics zone is considered a key component of the Cairo-Alexandria logistics corridor.

Al-Wazir added that the agreement reflects presidential directives to strengthen cooperation with domestic and international private sector partners across ministry projects. He noted that the project’s strategic location in Borg El Arab City will support industrial activity and improve supply chain efficiency.

According to the minister, the project is expected to enhance services for the Borg El Arab industrial zone, facilitate trade and boost exports and imports, while reducing congestion at seaports caused by container and cargo accumulation. It is also intended to improve logistics services, lower freight transport costs and strengthen connectivity between manufacturing centres, export ports and consumption markets.

The project is expected to accelerate inspection and customs clearance procedures, generate economies of scale in distribution through more efficient rail connectivity, reduce road traffic accidents and create employment opportunities for young people, he added.

For his part, Tarek Hussein, Chairperson of Sky Ports, said the signing represents an extension of the company’s longstanding cooperation with the Ministry of Transport, through the General Authority for Land and Dry Ports, and reflects growing confidence in Sky Ports’ capabilities in developing and managing logistics projects.

Hussein said the company aims to build on previous successes by delivering an integrated dry port model aligned with international standards, supporting the state’s efforts to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of Egypt’s transport and logistics sector.

Sky Ports began operating in the logistics sector in 2015 and became the first Egyptian operator to secure a concession for the construction, management and operation of a multi-purpose terminal at East Port Said Port under Law No. 165 of 2022. Since partial operations began in February 2024, the company has handled more than 12 million tonnes of cargo, with an annual average exceeding 6.5 million tonnes.

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The agreement was signed in the Eritrean capital in the presence of President Isaias Afwerki during a visit by Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Transport Minister Kamel al-Wazir. Al-Wazir stated the maritime pact and new shipping route will enhance logistical connectivity, support trade, and maximise the strategic locations of both nations. He added that Egypt is prepared to transfer its expertise in railways, ports, and maritime transport to support bilateral economic integration.

Addressing regional security, Abdelatty emphasised that the governance and security of the Red Sea are tied directly to the national security of bordering nations, asserting that non-littoral parties must not be involved in related arrangements or understandings. He confirmed Cairo’s support for Eritrea’s vision on Red Sea management, which stresses the unity and sovereignty of bordering states.

Reviewing developments in Sudan and Somalia, Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s position on maintaining stability in the Horn of Africa, describing the region as a direct extension of Egyptian national security. He affirmed Egypt’s full support for Eritrea’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, alongside a broader commitment to supporting national state institutions across the region.

Acting on directives from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the Egyptian ministers were accompanied by a private sector delegation. The business representatives met with Afwerki to explore commercial partnerships in priority sectors such as mining, transport, pharmaceuticals, and fisheries, as well as Egyptian-led capacity-building and training programmes for Eritrean cadres.

Afwerki, who requested his greetings be conveyed to Sisi, praised Egypt’s active role in supporting security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. Highlighting the historical relations between the countries, the Eritrean president expressed a commitment to advancing political, economic, and security coordination for mutual benefit.

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The mega-ship, operated by the French shipping line CMA CGM, crossed as part of the southbound convoy. It arrived from Singapore en route to Malta, having safely navigated the Bab al-Mandab Strait, according to SCA Chairperson Osama Rabie.

Operating on the MEX shipping service that links the Far East with the Mediterranean Sea, the vessel measures 400 metres in length and 61 metres in width. It has a capacity of 23,876 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) and a tonnage of 240,000 tonnes.

Rabie stated that the transit serves as a new certificate of confidence in the canal’s capacity to accommodate the latest and largest vessels in the global container fleet. He noted that the crossing reflects the canal’s status as a safe and sustainable maritime route, providing fuel savings by shortening travel distances compared to alternative routes and aligning with the international environmental standards supported by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

Despite regional challenges, Rabie emphasised that cooperation with CMA CGM is close and continuous, with the French group’s ships continuing to use the canal as a safe and preferred destination.

Following SCA protocol for vessels transiting the canal for the first time, Rabie delegated Chief Pilots Captain Samir Gaafer, Captain Magdy El-Rafei, and Captain Hazem Ghaith to board the ship, welcome the crew, and present a souvenir to the ship’s master.

The ship’s master, Captain Liang Zhihua, confirmed that continuous development projects in the canal’s navigational channel have granted mega-ships greater flexibility and navigational safety during transit, which he observed during this maiden voyage. He praised the efficiency and professionalism of the SCA pilots, noting that guiding such giant vessels and handling modern technologies requires exceptional navigational expertise, canal-specific knowledge, and positive cooperation between the ship’s commander and the authority’s pilot.

In a separate development, the media office of the General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) announced on Sunday that Sokhna Port received the cruise ship CRYSTAL SERENITY, affiliated with the International Global Tourism Centre.

The vessel arrived from the port of Mumbai, India, and docked at Basin 2 of DP World – Sokhna. Approximately 400 tourists of various nationalities are expected to board, joining a crew of 400 to 520 personnel. The ship is scheduled to arrive at the SCZone’s West Port Said port later this week to embark an additional 200 tourists, bringing the total capacity of passengers and crew to over 1,100 individuals.

SCZone Chairperson Walid Gamal El-Din stated that the authority is keen to support various state sectors through its ports and industrial zones. He affirmed that the Sokhna port development project, executed by state institutions in coordination with the SCZone, has raised the port’s readiness to serve the industrial, commercial, logistical, and tourism sectors.

Gamal El-Din highlighted the port’s historic achievement of entering the Guinness World Records for the deepest man-made port basin globally, at a depth of 19 metres. He noted this reflects continuous efforts to transform Sokhna into a pivotal Red Sea port serving as a gateway to Africa and a link between global markets. He added that the port administration has taken all necessary measures and coordinated with relevant authorities to ensure the safety and security of tourists and provide a distinct tourism experience.

Meanwhile, the SCA is also expanding its own maritime capabilities. Chairperson Rabie announced the departure of the integrated petroleum supply and services ship, Fakhr 1, from the Ningde Tai Jinzhou Yuajin shipyard in China, marking the completion of its construction and its preparation to join the SCA fleet.

The Fakhr 1 is owned by a consortium comprising the Timsah Shipbuilding Company, the Canal Company for Mooring and Lights, and the Canal Rope Company. It is the fourth ship in the petroleum services fleet operated by Timsah Shipbuilding Company, an SCA subsidiary, joining the vessels Aman, Ahmed Fadel, and Badr.

Designed with the latest global technology for fuel-efficient marine operating systems, the vessel is equipped for diving operations and utilises a DP2 system, allowing it to maintain its position without the need to drop anchor. The ship is 64.8 metres long, 16 metres wide, with a draft of 5 metres, and is equipped to accommodate a crew of 60.

Rabie stated that the Fakhr 1 crowns the authority’s efforts to enhance its maritime fleet with various units. He emphasised the SCA’s commitment to diversifying the income sources of its subsidiaries through serious contributions to gas and oil exploration, utilising units that keep pace with the latest global technologies.

The Fakhr 1 has completed sea and dock trials at the Chinese shipyard in the presence of representatives from the Timsah Shipbuilding Company and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). Rabie indicated that preparations to receive the unit and enter it into service will begin immediately upon its expected arrival early next month.

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Al-Sisi activated a tunnel boring machine (TBM) to conclude the final segment of a 6.35-kilometre tunnel connecting the Hadaeq El Ashgar and Pyramids stations, Presidency Spokesman Mohamed El-Shennawy said.

The president was joined at the Giza construction site by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Transport Minister Kamel al-Wazir, Giza Governor Ahmed Al-Ansari, Japanese Ambassador to Cairo Fumio Iwai, and Ebisawa Yu, Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Egypt, along with representatives of the Egyptian contracting companies.

National Authority for Tunnels Chairman Tarek El-Gouweily stated the completed Line 4 will handle approximately 2m passengers daily. It is the first line designed to directly connect the 6th of October city and New Cairo to the Greater Cairo metro network, serving densely populated areas including Haram, Faisal, Omraneya, Giza, Nasr City, Al-Azhar University, and New Cairo.

The 19-kilometre first phase comprises 17 stations, including 16 underground and one surface-level station. The route begins west of the Ring Road at the 6th of October border, passing the Grand Egyptian Museum, Remaya Square, and Haram Street. It intersects with Metro Line 2 at Giza Station and Line 1 at El-Malek El-Saleh before ending at Fustat.

Civil works are being executed by Egyptian contractors Arab Contractors, Orascom Construction, Concord, Petrojet, and Hassan Allam Construction. Officials noted that six TBMs are being utilised simultaneously for the first time on a metro project. Four machines are digging the section between Hadaeq El Ashgar and El Mesaha; one has reached the Grand Egyptian Museum, a second arrived at the Pyramids station on Tuesday, a third reached Madkour, and a fourth is at El Talbiya. Two additional machines are being prepared for the El Mesaha to Fustat section.

A consortium of Mitsubishi and Orascom is handling the electromechanical, track, and workshop operations. Mitsubishi is also manufacturing 23 trains for the line, with the first scheduled for delivery in early May 2026.

The government is currently studying three further phases for Line 4: Phase 2 from Fustat to New Cairo, Phase 3 from Hadaeq El Ashgar to Hosary Square, and Phase 4 from New Cairo to the Capital Airport.

These subsequent phases will provide further network integration. Phase 2 will interchange with the planned Line 6 at Sayeda Aisha and the East Nile Monorail at Tayaran station. Phase 3 will connect with the West Nile Monorail at Hosary Square, and Phase 4 will link to the Light Rail Transit (LRT) network at the Capital Airport station.

During the site tour, Transport Minister Al-Wazir briefed Al-Sisi on tunnel preparations, including concrete panels, rail tracks, and electrical and signalling systems, framing the project within a wider strategy for sustainable, green mass transit.

Al-Sisi directed officials to ensure continuous monitoring of the construction, accelerate progress while adhering to safety standards and timelines, and prioritise connecting high-density areas with eco-friendly transport networks. Officials added that the line will act as a transport link for tourism and development, connecting historical sites like the Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum with future urban centres in New Cairo and the New Administrative Capital.

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The agreements were signed at NERIC’s manufacturing facility in the presence of Transport Minister Kamel Al-Wazir and Labor Minister Hassan Shehata. They cover the local production of 500 modern air-conditioned passenger railcars and the creation of a specialized company to operate and manage the Kom Abu Radi railway workshops.

Minister Al-Wazir said the deals align with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s directives to localize strategic industries, particularly in transport. He stressed that Egypt is steadily building domestic manufacturing capabilities to meet local demand and eventually compete in export markets.

The first agreement focuses on producing 500 passenger coaches, supporting the government’s plan to upgrade the national railway fleet and improve passenger service quality. It builds on earlier contracts with NERIC, including the production of 40 metro trains (320 cars) in partnership with Hyundai Rotem for Cairo Metro Lines 2 and 3, and the supply of 21 trains for the Alexandria Metro project.

The second agreement establishes a dedicated company to manage the Kom Abu Radi workshops, a key maintenance hub. The initiative aims to enhance overhaul, repair, and maintenance operations across rolling stock, improving efficiency, fleet readiness, and service sustainability.

Al-Wazir noted that the move reflects a broader strategy to involve the private sector in railway operations, fostering competition, raising service standards, and maximizing the value of state-owned assets. He added that the system would also benefit railway employees by improving working conditions and boosting productivity.

Labor Minister Shehata described the agreements as a significant step in strengthening Egypt’s industrial base and creating quality jobs. He emphasized that expanding local manufacturing in the railway sector will support skills development and align workforce capabilities with evolving technological demands.

NERIC Managing Director Ahmed El-Mofty said the 500-coach contract marks a milestone in Egypt’s rolling stock industry. He added that the Kom Abu Radi project reflects NERIC’s vision to expand beyond manufacturing into maintenance and refurbishment, supporting the railway ecosystem more comprehensively.

Together, the agreements underscore Egypt’s drive to modernize its railway system while positioning itself as a regional hub for transport manufacturing.

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En route to the opening, Madbouly made an unplanned stop to inspect upgrade works on the Al-Mathlath Checkpoint–Gelbana–Balouza road, a 20-kilometre stretch being developed under the presidential Decent Life initiative and implemented by the Ministry of Transport. He also reviewed maintenance and expansion works on the Qantara East-Arish road, including resurfacing, lane widening and safety enhancements aimed at improving connectivity and reducing travel risks.

Minister of Transport Kamel Al-Wazir said Egypt is implementing a series of major infrastructure projects in Sinai in line with directives from President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development. He noted that upgrading road networks is key to attracting investment in sectors such as agriculture, industry and tourism, while improving access to essential services including education and healthcare.

Madbouly later attended the inauguration of the plastics manufacturing facility in the Bir El-Abd industrial zone, describing it as a tangible step in the state’s strategy to expand industrial development nationwide, particularly in North Sinai, which holds significant untapped potential.

The factory, developed by NSPI, is built on a 20,000-square-metre site with total investments of approximately EGP 530m. As the first industrial project in the Bir El-Abd industrial zone, it is expected to serve as a catalyst for building a broader industrial base in the governorate.

The facility specialises in producing woven polypropylene bags used for packaging cement, sugar, flour and animal feed. It has an annual production capacity of around 55 million units and is equipped with advanced production lines imported from India, marking the first time such technology is introduced to Egypt.

Madbouly highlighted the project’s role in supporting domestic industry, creating jobs and opening new export opportunities. The factory currently employs 170 workers, 46% of whom are from Sinai, reflecting efforts to integrate local communities into development initiatives.

North Sinai Governor Khaled Megawer described the ongoing efforts as part of a broader “battle for development”, noting that rebuilding the region requires sustained momentum following years of security challenges.

Meanwhile, Hassan Fahmy said the project forms part of a wider strategy to stimulate economic activity in Sinai and attract further investment. He called for additional incentives and streamlined procedures, including the establishment of a dedicated investor services centre in Bir El-Abd.

Beyond industrial development, the Prime Minister also reviewed progress on a major railway project linking Bir El-Abd, Arish and Ras El-Naqab, spanning approximately 353 kilometres. The railway is part of the broader Arish-Taba logistics corridor, aimed at enhancing trade and connectivity across Sinai.

During the visit, Madbouly inspected works on the Bir El-Abd-Arish segment, where construction is advancing on embankments, stations and key infrastructure components, including bridges and tunnels. He also reviewed the 12-kilometre railway link connecting to Arish Port, which will facilitate the movement of goods through the national rail network.

Al-Wazir noted that the wider Sinai railway network—extending up to 500 kilometres from Ferdan to Taba—represents a key pillar of Egypt’s logistics strategy, supporting economic integration, improving mobility and unlocking new development opportunities across North, Central and South Sinai.

Madbouly concluded the tour by directing officials to accelerate implementation timelines, emphasising the importance of enhancing road safety, improving transport efficiency and delivering tangible benefits to citizens. He stressed that these projects collectively reflect Egypt’s determination to transform Sinai into a dynamic hub for investment, industry and logistics.

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The delivery of the “super post-panamax” cranes, manufactured by China’s Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries (ZPMC), marks a key stage in completing the superstructure for the terminal. The three ship-to-shore (STS) cranes are designed to handle large-capacity vessels to accelerate container turnover, while the six automated rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes will use intelligent systems to organise container positioning and reduce human error, according to al-Wazir.

The Safaga 2 terminal, which covers approximately 776,000 square metres with a 1,100-metre quay and a depth of 17 metres, has seen its infrastructure 100% completed by Egyptian companies. The facility is expected to handle approximately 2m containers and 7m tonnes of general cargo annually. The terminal is being developed and operated under a contract with Abu Dhabi Ports (AD Ports Group) as part of a wider strategy to attract international shipping lines.

Al-Wazir, who presented the updates during a meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, stated that the terminal serves as a primary gateway for the development of Upper Egypt. He noted that the project will support mining activities within the Golden Triangle, facilitate imports and exports, and increase the use of rail for transporting goods from the south to the Red Sea.

The terminal is a central component of the Safaga-Qena-Abu Tartour integrated logistics corridor, one of seven international corridors Egypt is developing to establish the country as a regional hub for transport and transit trade.

During the meeting, the Transport Minister also reviewed the implementation of an Intelligent Transport System (ITS) across seven national highways. These include the Shubra-Benha Free Road, the Cairo-Alexandria Desert Road, the Cairo-Ismailia-Port Said Desert Road, the Cairo-Suez Road, the Cairo-Ain Sokhna Road, the Regional Ring Road, and the Greater Cairo Ring Road.

The ITS project aims to reduce accident rates, improve emergency response times, and enhance traffic flow through vehicle monitoring technology. Al-Wazir said the system is designed to improve road management efficiency and connect logistics zones to commercial ports on the Mediterranean and Red Seas.

Madbouly said the transport sector is undergoing development to improve infrastructure and increase the efficiency of the transport system. He added that these efforts are intended to support economic development plans and facilitate the movement of individuals and goods between provinces.

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According to the presidency, the meeting covered the comprehensive plan for upgrading Damietta Port, as well as progress on expanding and improving Cairo’s 116-kilometre ring road and upgrading the 6th of October Bridge to alleviate traffic congestion.

Officials also discussed expanding environmentally friendly public transport, including the second phase of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. Minister al-Wazir briefed the meeting on developments in river bus services across Greater Cairo, preparations for the East Nile monorail, progress on the high-speed electric rail network, and plans for the sixth metro line.

The meeting also addressed rerouting sections of the Alexandria-Matrouh railway line as part of wider efforts to modernise Egypt’s rail network. Discussions further focused on Egypt’s strategy to develop its maritime transport sector and position the country as a regional hub for logistics and transit trade through port expansion, construction of new berths, and deepening navigation channels.

Minister Al-Wazir highlighted ongoing cooperation with African nations, including Djibouti and Tanzania, through joint transport initiatives.

Al-Sisi stressed the need to complete all transport projects on schedule and to the highest standards, particularly public transport systems, to improve services, attract investment, and enhance tourism.

He also emphasised the importance of localising transport industries and maximising the benefits of existing infrastructure to support economic growth and create employment opportunities.

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The 13.2-kilometre line, comprising 24 stations, including 5.7 km at grade, 7.3 km elevated, and 276 metres underground, extends westward from Victoria Station through key districts such as San Stefano, Gianaclis, Al-Wizara, Roushdy, Mostafa Kamel, Sidi Gaber, Sporting, Al-Ibrahimiya, and Raml.

Once completed, the project will nearly triple the tram’s capacity from around 4,700 passengers per hour per direction to 13,800. Travel time will be reduced from 60 minutes to 35 minutes, operational speeds will increase to 70 km/h, and headways will be cut from nine minutes to just three.

Al-Wazir stressed that the rehabilitation preserves the tram’s historic character while upgrading it to meet modern standards of safety and efficiency. The scheme includes advanced signalling systems to ease congestion at major intersections and retains existing passenger congregation points.

He added that the project incorporates environmental and social dimensions, notably through reduced emissions and noise pollution by relying on clean electric power, as well as the creation of both direct and indirect employment opportunities during construction and operation.

The minister also reviewed progress on the supply of 30 new tram units from Hyundai Rotem, which includes spare parts and maintenance support for eight years. In parallel, authorities have implemented an alternative transport plan during service suspensions, deploying 206 vehicles across three main corridors with peak headways of three to five minutes.

Alexandria Governor Ayman Atiya described the rehabilitation as the second cornerstone of the city’s comprehensive urban transport modernisation strategy, combining heritage conservation with state-of-the-art smart mobility systems. He highlighted the project’s impact in doubling capacity, significantly reducing journey times, and improving comfort and safety standards for commuters.

Atiya affirmed the governorate’s commitment to resolving on-the-ground challenges along the tram corridor to ensure adherence to the implementation timetable, while safeguarding Tram Raml’s status as both a historic landmark and a vital urban transport artery.

The line was temporarily suspended between Victoria and Mostafa Kamel stations from 1 to 10 February 2026 to assess the efficiency of alternative services. A partial suspension began on 11 February for approximately six weeks, with a full suspension scheduled from 1 April to allow completion of the rehabilitation works.

The upgraded Tram Raml line is expected to reshape urban mobility in Alexandria by offering a faster, safer and more environmentally sustainable transport option. It will also provide direct links to the Cairo-Alexandria Railway at Sidi Gaber Station and connect with the Alexandria Metro at both Sidi Gaber and Victoria stations, supporting integrated, green public transport across the city.

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Al-Wazir highlighted that the BRT project was implemented as a cost-effective alternative to the previously planned fifth metro line, which was designed to run 24 km from Al-Wafaa wal-Amal in Nasr City to the Coast with 17 underground stations, at an estimated cost of $6bn at current market prices.

In contrast, the 110 km BRT project, fully above ground and featuring modern electric buses, is projected to cost no more than $1bn, saving approximately $5bn.

The BRT stations have been designed with integrated waiting areas, bus terminals, and commercial zones to provide services for nearby residents and passengers.

During the inspection, the minister reviewed station layouts, pedestrian bridges and tunnels connecting parking areas beneath the Ring Road, ticketing systems, and electronic entry gates.

Al-Wazir emphasized the importance of the second phase, particularly given the high public usage of the first phase, which runs from the Ring Road–Alexandria Agricultural intersection to the Police Academy station.

The project has successfully reduced travel times and improved traffic flow by separating the dedicated BRT lane from other lanes on the Ring Road.

The BRT system connects major Ring Road intersections, including Suez, Adly Mansour, El-Marg, and Mostorod, linking East and West Cairo and extending to the New Capital.

It integrates with other public transport systems, including Metro Line 1 at Al-Zahraa and El-Marg stations, Metro Line 3 at Adly Mansour and Imbaba stations, and the LRT at Adly Mansour station, providing a fast, clean, and efficient alternative to private vehicles while supporting environmental and traffic management goals.

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