Shipping Arabia, October 8, 2024 — During the World Maritime Day celebrations in Alexandria, Major General Mohamed Ahmed, Deputy Chairman of the General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone, emphasized the proactive measures taken by the Economic Authority in line with this year’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) theme, “Navigating in Future Seas – Safety First.”
Major General Ahmed highlighted the authority’s dedication to enhancing maritime safety and adapting to rapid technological advancements, including the use of innovative fuels, to ensure efficient maritime trade flows.
He outlined the Suez Canal Economic Zone’s approach to following the IMO’s recommendations for reducing ship emissions, setting an ambitious goal of achieving zero carbon emissions by 2050. This initiative addresses a critical challenge facing the global maritime transport industry.
To meet these objectives, the authority has implemented several emission-reduction measures, including calculating the carbon footprint of its ports and optimizing operational procedures to minimize delays in ship arrivals, loading and unloading activities, and the transfer of goods. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to lower emissions by incorporating clean, renewable energy sources within and beyond port operations.
Additionally, the authority has launched new maritime services designed for the latest generation of ships that use alternative fuels, supporting the global maritime agenda aimed at reducing emissions.
Significant developments include the first methanol bunkering operation at East Port Said Port and the issuance of the first license for alternative fuel bunkering, with plans to license additional types of alternative fuels.
The Suez Canal Economic Zone is also enhancing its research and development capabilities focused on sustainability.
This includes the use of artificial intelligence to improve transport and gate operations at ports, simulating movements based on projected volumes over the next 30 years to reduce idle times and associated emissions.
Major General Ahmed noted that East Port Said Port processed nearly 4 million containers last year and is projected to handle over 6 million in the next two years. This growth is bolstered by new value-added projects related to container operations, reinforcing its role as a key player in the region’s maritime industry.
