Latest news with #DamiettaPortAuthority
Zawya
03-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt's Transport Ministry calls for increased use of Ro-Ro shipping to boost exports to Europe
The Egyptian government, in its ongoing efforts to expand exports to European and global markets and strengthen the national economy, has launched a Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) shipping line between Damietta Port and Italy's Trieste Port. The first voyage of this initiative set sail on 28 November. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of Transport urged key stakeholders—including the Federation of Egyptian Industries, the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, export council leaders, as well as exporters, importers, and businesspeople—to capitalize on the benefits of the Ro-Ro shipping line. This route is particularly advantageous for transporting perishable agricultural produce, vegetables, and various Egyptian products to Italy and the wider European market using refrigerated and dry trucks. Positioned as a green corridor between Egypt and Italy, the Ro-Ro shipping line is expected to reduce shipping costs and transit times while reinforcing Egypt's role as a central logistics hub connecting Europe and Africa. Additionally, it aims to bolster trade opportunities, increase exports of industrial and agricultural goods, and improve market accessibility for Egyptian products in Europe. The initiative is also projected to create over 2,000 job opportunities for Egyptian drivers and generate employment for administrative staff in transport and shipping companies as well as maritime agents. The ministry emphasized its commitment to providing financial and operational incentives for businesses utilizing the shipping line. Port fees have been significantly reduced from $26,050 to $3,250 per trip—an 88% discount. Furthermore, a 35,000-square-meter area has been allocated to support the project, complete with essential service connections. To facilitate seamless customs procedures, the Damietta Port Authority has issued a government guarantee letter to Egyptian Customs, while the Ministry of Finance has provided an X-ray inspection device for the initiative. To enhance digital integration between the two ports, the Damietta Port Authority has developed applications that synchronize with the Italian port community platform. A dedicated digital platform has also been established to process truck data from the Italian port system, including cargo type, weight, and shipper details. Additionally, Egyptian and Italian customs authorities have linked their systems to streamline document exchanges, such as health and food safety certificates, using standardized international formats approved by the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Mobile applications featuring RFID technology have also been implemented to verify electronic seals and detect any tampering. Further strengthening customs cooperation between Egypt and Italy, a European Union grant has been secured to support a twinning program between the two countries' customs authorities. As part of this collaboration, a customs directive has been issued for the Ro-Ro shipping line, and electronic seals with alarm systems have been introduced to monitor unauthorized access and fluctuations in temperature and humidity—ensuring cargo security and facilitating expedited customs clearance. In alignment with these efforts, Damietta Port has been added to Ministerial Decree No. 682/2007, which designates specialized customs committees for clearing fabrics and textile products. This addition, alongside existing customs hubs in Alexandria, Port Said, Sokhna, and Cairo Airport, is expected to enhance the economic efficiency of the Ro-Ro shipping line's operations.
Daily News Egypt
03-03-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt's Transport Ministry calls for increased use of Ro-Ro shipping to boost exports to Europe
The Egyptian government, in its ongoing efforts to expand exports to European and global markets and strengthen the national economy, has launched a Ro-Ro (roll-on/roll-off) shipping line between Damietta Port and Italy's Trieste Port. The first voyage of this initiative set sail on 28 November. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of Transport urged key stakeholders—including the Federation of Egyptian Industries, the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, export council leaders, as well as exporters, importers, and businesspeople—to capitalize on the benefits of the Ro-Ro shipping line. This route is particularly advantageous for transporting perishable agricultural produce, vegetables, and various Egyptian products to Italy and the wider European market using refrigerated and dry trucks. Positioned as a green corridor between Egypt and Italy, the Ro-Ro shipping line is expected to reduce shipping costs and transit times while reinforcing Egypt's role as a central logistics hub connecting Europe and Africa. Additionally, it aims to bolster trade opportunities, increase exports of industrial and agricultural goods, and improve market accessibility for Egyptian products in Europe. The initiative is also projected to create over 2,000 job opportunities for Egyptian drivers and generate employment for administrative staff in transport and shipping companies as well as maritime agents. The ministry emphasized its commitment to providing financial and operational incentives for businesses utilizing the shipping line. Port fees have been significantly reduced from $26,050 to $3,250 per trip—an 88% discount. Furthermore, a 35,000-square-meter area has been allocated to support the project, complete with essential service connections. To facilitate seamless customs procedures, the Damietta Port Authority has issued a government guarantee letter to Egyptian Customs, while the Ministry of Finance has provided an X-ray inspection device for the initiative. To enhance digital integration between the two ports, the Damietta Port Authority has developed applications that synchronize with the Italian port community platform. A dedicated digital platform has also been established to process truck data from the Italian port system, including cargo type, weight, and shipper details. Additionally, Egyptian and Italian customs authorities have linked their systems to streamline document exchanges, such as health and food safety certificates, using standardized international formats approved by the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Mobile applications featuring RFID technology have also been implemented to verify electronic seals and detect any tampering. Further strengthening customs cooperation between Egypt and Italy, a European Union grant has been secured to support a twinning program between the two countries' customs authorities. As part of this collaboration, a customs directive has been issued for the Ro-Ro shipping line, and electronic seals with alarm systems have been introduced to monitor unauthorized access and fluctuations in temperature and humidity—ensuring cargo security and facilitating expedited customs clearance. In alignment with these efforts, Damietta Port has been added to Ministerial Decree No. 682/2007, which designates specialized customs committees for clearing fabrics and textile products. This addition, alongside existing customs hubs in Alexandria, Port Said, Sokhna, and Cairo Airport, is expected to enhance the economic efficiency of the Ro-Ro shipping line's operations.
Zawya
17-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt's ministry showcases advantages of ‘Ro-Ro' shipping line for exporting
Egypt - The Ministry of Transport has called upon the Egyptian Federation of Industries, the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, heads of Egyptian export councils, exporters, importers, and business leaders to leverage the substantial benefits of the 'Ro-Ro' (Roll-on/Roll-off) maritime shipping line. This route streamlines the transportation of perishable agricultural products, fresh vegetables, and Egyptian goods to Italy and Europe, and vice versa, via refrigerated and dry trucks. This initiative aligns with Egypt's strategic vision to expand exports to European and global markets, reinforcing the national economy. The Ro-Ro shipping line, operating between Damietta Port and Italy's Trieste Port, commenced operations with its first voyage on 28 November 2024, marking a significant step in Egypt's export expansion strategy. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of Transport underscored the shipping line's role as a 'green corridor' between Egypt and Italy, providing considerable advantages such as reduced shipping costs and expedited delivery times. The route strengthens Egypt's position as a pivotal logistics hub between Europe and Africa, fosters trade opportunities, and facilitates the export of industrial and agricultural products by easing access to European markets. Additionally, the initiative is projected to create thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities, including over 2,000 new positions for Egyptian truck drivers and employment in transportation, shipping companies, and shipping agencies. A reciprocity principle governs port fees and operational incentives at both ports. Port fees have been substantially reduced from $26,050 to $3,250 per voyage, reflecting an 88% discount. A 35,000-square-meter area has been designated for the project, equipped with full infrastructure services. To further bolster operations, the Damietta Port Authority has provided a government guarantee letter for Egyptian Customs, while the Ministry of Finance has supplied an X-RAY scanning system for cargo inspections. To support digital integration between the ports, the Damietta Port Authority has developed advanced software applications that synchronize with Italy's port community system. This includes a platform for receiving truck data from the Italian port, automated cargo data exchange covering type, weight, and shipper details, and a direct customs link between Egyptian and Italian authorities. The initial phase incorporates electronic document exchange for health certificates and food safety approvals. A standardized digital file format approved by the United Nations Trade and Transport Division has been implemented, alongside RFID technology for cargo seal verification, ensuring security and preventing tampering. The European Union has awarded Egypt a customs twinning programme to enhance cooperation between Egyptian and Italian customs authorities. As part of this programme, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the customs departments of both nations. A customs directive was issued for the Egyptian-Italian Ro-Ro shipping line, introducing electronic seals with alarm systems for refrigerated containers, which notify authorities if a container is opened or if temperature and humidity levels fluctuate. Cargo inspections have been optimized to expedite customs clearance procedures. Following Egypt's accession to the Vienna Convention of 1968 under Presidential Decree No. 329 of 2023, barriers concerning vehicle plates and fees were eliminated. Additionally, the Egyptian-Italian road transport MoU was signed to regulate vehicle movement along the Ro-Ro route. A specialized team from the Ministry of Interior was stationed at Damietta Port to expedite vehicle plate replacements. Italian fire safety regulations for vehicles were also adopted. Road tolls were significantly lowered, reducing import truck fees from $300 to $100 and export truck fees from $350 to $100. To ensure smoother transit, Egyptian authorities coordinated with passport control to facilitate foreign truck drivers' exit from Egypt, provided they hold a valid Schengen visa. Foreign vehicles are now permitted to enter and exit Egypt as long as their owners possess valid entry or exit visas. Maritime safety and inspection authorities have authorized truck drivers to remain onboard Ro-Ro vessels, with a limit of 11 drivers per vessel. To further enhance efficiency, Damietta Port was included in Ministerial Decree No. 682 of 2007, establishing specialized customs committees for cargo shipment processing. This amendment allows fabric and textile product clearance at Damietta Port, supplementing existing clearance locations in Alexandria, Port Said, Sokhna, and Cairo Airport, improving economic viability for the shipping line. The Ro-Ro line operates on a weekly schedule between Damietta and Trieste ports. Every Thursday at 3:00 PM, the vessel arrives at Damietta Port from Trieste. Every Friday at 10:00 AM, it departs Damietta for Trieste, transporting Egyptian products. The vessel reaches Trieste every Monday at 10:00 AM and departs back to Damietta at 6:00 PM on the same day. Egyptian goods arriving at Trieste will be transported to Rotterdam, Netherlands, via a dedicated freight train. From Rotterdam, products will be distributed overland to destinations across the Netherlands, the UK, and Belgium. © 2024 Daily News Egypt. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Daily News Egypt
17-02-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Transport Ministry showcases advantages of ‘Ro-Ro' shipping line for exporting
The Ministry of Transport has called upon the Egyptian Federation of Industries, the Federation of Chambers of Commerce, heads of Egyptian export councils, exporters, importers, and business leaders to leverage the substantial benefits of the 'Ro-Ro' (Roll-on/Roll-off) maritime shipping line. This route streamlines the transportation of perishable agricultural products, fresh vegetables, and Egyptian goods to Italy and Europe, and vice versa, via refrigerated and dry trucks. This initiative aligns with Egypt's strategic vision to expand exports to European and global markets, reinforcing the national economy. The Ro-Ro shipping line, operating between Damietta Port and Italy's Trieste Port, commenced operations with its first voyage on 28 November 2024, marking a significant step in Egypt's export expansion strategy. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of Transport underscored the shipping line's role as a 'green corridor' between Egypt and Italy, providing considerable advantages such as reduced shipping costs and expedited delivery times. The route strengthens Egypt's position as a pivotal logistics hub between Europe and Africa, fosters trade opportunities, and facilitates the export of industrial and agricultural products by easing access to European markets. Additionally, the initiative is projected to create thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities, including over 2,000 new positions for Egyptian truck drivers and employment in transportation, shipping companies, and shipping agencies. A reciprocity principle governs port fees and operational incentives at both ports. Port fees have been substantially reduced from $26,050 to $3,250 per voyage, reflecting an 88% discount. A 35,000-square-meter area has been designated for the project, equipped with full infrastructure services. To further bolster operations, the Damietta Port Authority has provided a government guarantee letter for Egyptian Customs, while the Ministry of Finance has supplied an X-RAY scanning system for cargo inspections. To support digital integration between the ports, the Damietta Port Authority has developed advanced software applications that synchronize with Italy's port community system. This includes a platform for receiving truck data from the Italian port, automated cargo data exchange covering type, weight, and shipper details, and a direct customs link between Egyptian and Italian authorities. The initial phase incorporates electronic document exchange for health certificates and food safety approvals. A standardized digital file format approved by the United Nations Trade and Transport Division has been implemented, alongside RFID technology for cargo seal verification, ensuring security and preventing tampering. The European Union has awarded Egypt a customs twinning programme to enhance cooperation between Egyptian and Italian customs authorities. As part of this programme, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the customs departments of both nations. A customs directive was issued for the Egyptian-Italian Ro-Ro shipping line, introducing electronic seals with alarm systems for refrigerated containers, which notify authorities if a container is opened or if temperature and humidity levels fluctuate. Cargo inspections have been optimized to expedite customs clearance procedures. Following Egypt's accession to the Vienna Convention of 1968 under Presidential Decree No. 329 of 2023, barriers concerning vehicle plates and fees were eliminated. Additionally, the Egyptian-Italian road transport MoU was signed to regulate vehicle movement along the Ro-Ro route. A specialized team from the Ministry of Interior was stationed at Damietta Port to expedite vehicle plate replacements. Italian fire safety regulations for vehicles were also adopted. Road tolls were significantly lowered, reducing import truck fees from $300 to $100 and export truck fees from $350 to $100. To ensure smoother transit, Egyptian authorities coordinated with passport control to facilitate foreign truck drivers' exit from Egypt, provided they hold a valid Schengen visa. Foreign vehicles are now permitted to enter and exit Egypt as long as their owners possess valid entry or exit visas. Maritime safety and inspection authorities have authorized truck drivers to remain onboard Ro-Ro vessels, with a limit of 11 drivers per vessel. To further enhance efficiency, Damietta Port was included in Ministerial Decree No. 682 of 2007, establishing specialized customs committees for cargo shipment processing. This amendment allows fabric and textile product clearance at Damietta Port, supplementing existing clearance locations in Alexandria, Port Said, Sokhna, and Cairo Airport, improving economic viability for the shipping line. The Ro-Ro line operates on a weekly schedule between Damietta and Trieste ports. Every Thursday at 3:00 PM, the vessel arrives at Damietta Port from Trieste. Every Friday at 10:00 AM, it departs Damietta for Trieste, transporting Egyptian products. The vessel reaches Trieste every Monday at 10:00 AM and departs back to Damietta at 6:00 PM on the same day. Egyptian goods arriving at Trieste will be transported to Rotterdam, Netherlands, via a dedicated freight train. From Rotterdam, products will be distributed overland to destinations across the Netherlands, the UK, and Belgium.
