Egypt’s maritime sector is undergoing a significant transformation. Eng. Ahmed Al-Akkad of the Alexandria Chamber of Shipping recently declared that the nation’s “unprecedented leap” in port expansion is only the starting point for a far more ambitious strategic pivot. Speaking at the Egyptian Maritime Salon, Eng. Ahmed emphasized that the real challenge lies in moving beyond traditional cargo handling models.

The objective is to transform Egyptian ports from basic transit points into fully integrated industrial and logistics hubs. Through value-added services such as manufacturing, assembly, and localized processing, Egypt seeks to move beyond its role as a gateway for passing vessels. This strategy prioritizes anchoring global shipping lines within the country, encouraging long-term investment and local operations rather than short-term corridor usage.