File Photo: An ariel View of Damietta port. Photo courtesy of Maritime Transport & Logistics Sector website.
According to an official statement, the move follows recent decisions to exempt transit shipments to Gulf states from pre-registration in the Automated Cargo Information (ACI) system, aiming to simplify procedures and speed up cargo movement amid challenges affecting some regional transport routes.
The port of Damietta received the vessel GALLIPOLI SEAWAYS, operating on the Damietta-Trieste maritime line, carrying indirect transit units from Europe bound for Safaga and onward to the Gulf, the ministry said on Tuesday.
All operational and customs procedures were carried out efficiently through full coordination among the Damietta Port Authority, the Pan Marine Group operating the RoRo line, the Central Damietta Customs Administration, and other relevant authorities, leveraging the port authority’s digital systems, managed by the Central Administration for Information Systems and Digital Transformation.
This coordination contributed to faster processing and reduced customs clearance times, including inspection and verification, in line with regulatory standards.
The ministry added that the new service reflects the significant developments at Damietta Port, particularly in digitalizing operations and enhancing logistics efficiency.
The move reinforces Egypt’s role as a safe and effective hub for international trade and boosts the country’s capacity to handle transit cargo, especially shipments to Gulf countries, it noted.
The RoRo line, launched in November 2024, is considered a key pillar in supporting trade between Egypt and Europe. It offers competitive advantages, including faster transport of perishable agricultural goods using refrigerated trucks, reduced shipping costs, and shorter delivery times, serving as a “green corridor” that strengthens commercial ties between the two regions.
The ministry highlighted that the service integrates operational incentives, customs facilitation, and advanced electronic connectivity to enable the secure, real-time exchange of data and documents, thereby enhancing efficiency in line with international standards.
It added that the launch underscores Damietta Port Authority’s success in maximizing available capabilities and supporting Egypt’s broader strategy to expand transit operations, opening new avenues for trade between Europe and Gulf countries through Egyptian ports.
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