Damietta Port has launched a new transit service for refrigerated and dry cargo from Europe via a Ro-Ro line connecting it to Italy's Port of Trieste. Shipments will move onward to Safaga Port on the Red Sea and then to Gulf markets. The initiative supports Egypt's strategy to become a regional hub for transport and transit trade.
Damietta Port received the vessel “GALLIPOLI SEAWAYS”, which operates on the Damietta-Trieste route carrying non-direct transit units from Europe destined for Safaga and Gulf countries. Authorities confirmed that all operational and customs procedures were handled efficiently through coordination between the Damietta Port Authority, Pan Marine Group—the Ro-Ro line operator—the Central Administration of Damietta Customs, and other entities.
This coordination relied on the port’s advanced digital system, managed by its Central Administration for Information Systems and Digital Transformation, which reduced customs clearance, inspection, and examination times.
The launch follows recent decisions exempting transit cargo to Gulf destinations from pre-registration under the Advance Cargo Information (ACI) system. The Damietta-Trieste Ro-Ro line, operational since November 2024, provides faster transport for perishable goods, lower costs, shorter transit times, and serves as a “green corridor” for sustainable trade.
The service is supported by operational incentives, customs facilitations, and advanced electronic connectivity for secure, real-time data exchange between ports and customs in both countries.
