Egypt's Ministry of Transportation is considering launching two new maritime routes from Alexandria to Greece and Spain, aiming to boost trade with the European Union, a ministry official familiar with port development plans told Al Manassa.
One of the proposed lines would connect Alexandria to a port in Barcelona via a roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) mechanism, similar to the model already operating between Damietta Port and Italy's Trieste. The second route, linking to Greece, would be designed for both goods and passenger transport.
Ro-ro lines are used for rapid maritime transport, particularly for perishable agricultural goods, which are shipped in refrigerated trucks and containers that remain onboard during the journey.
The initiative aims to enhance trade exchange with Europe and expand the use of Alexandria Port's fully modernized quays, the official told Al Manassa, speaking on condition of anonymity.
In late November, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly oversaw the inaugural voyage of the Egypt-Italy ro-ro line, describing it as a step toward turning Egypt into a central logistics zone between Europe and Africa. “The project strengthens Egypt's position as a gateway for industrial products and agricultural exports into European markets,” he said.
The ministry source added that the EU has pledged to fund technical and economic feasibility studies through an international consultancy firm by the end of the year. These studies will assess potential trade volumes, travel times, docking schedules, ship operators, customs coordination, domestic land transport logistics, and truck toll rates, along with legal documentation requirements.
The Ministry of Transportation views the maritime links as essential to Egypt's long-term vision of becoming a regional hub for logistics, freight transit, and trade between Europe and Africa, according to the source.
Earlier this month, the UAE-based Abu Dhabi Ports Group submitted a bid to Egypt's Ministry of Transportation to manage, operate, maintain, and equip Alexandria Port's passenger terminal for 15 years, with an option to renew.
Last year, the ministry signed a separate agreement with Abu Dhabi Ports to develop and operate three Red Sea cruise terminals—in Safaga, Hurghada, and Sharm El-Sheikh—for an initial 15-year period, also renewable.
