Egypt’s vision of becoming a global player in the green hydrogen sector took significant strides forward as Chairman of the General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone, Walid Gamal El Din, concluded a successful visit to the Netherlands. During his visit, he engaged in extensive discussions with major international companies in the maritime transport, port, and ship bunkering industries, both for traditional and green fuels.
This visit followed his participation in the launch ceremony of the world’s first ship powered by green fuel, the Laura Maersk, in Copenhagen, Denmark.
El Din’s meetings in the Netherlands included a pivotal encounter with officials from Shell International, where discussions delved into the realm of green hydrogen projects and the Economic Zone’s ambitious plans in this sector. Notably, nine framework agreements have already been inked with global alliances, all aimed at producing the green fuel that will supply ships. The Economic Zone’s recent success in supplying the first ship operating with green methanol in its East Port Said port underscores the progress.
Key to these discussions was the consideration of the requirements for green hydrogen projects in the integrated Sokhna region, including infrastructure such as a water desalination plant, service corridor, tank farm, and liquid bulk station. These components are essential for the production, transportation, and storage of green hydrogen.
Additionally, Shell officials presented insights into bunkering ships with liquefied natural gas (LNG), exploring the possibility of implementing this activity in Egypt through the ports of the Suez Canal Economic Zone. Given the high density of ships passing through this strategic region, it presents a compelling opportunity for ship bunkering services, leveraging both traditional and green fuel.
Another notable meeting was held with Mark Nolte, Executive Director of Projects at A.P. Muller. Here, plans for the expansion project at Container Terminal No. 2 in East Port Said were reviewed. This expansion, featuring an impressive berth length of 955 meters and a vast yard spanning 475 thousand square meters, aims to bolster the region’s maritime capabilities significantly.
The development is well underway, with land clearing at an impressive 95% completion rate. Moreover, all the station’s cranes and equipment are set to arrive for installation by October 2024, marking a significant milestone in the project’s progress.
In alignment with global sustainability goals, the discussions extended to efforts to replace traditional fuels with renewable energy sources to reduce carbon emissions. The carbon removal unit of the company played a crucial role in exploring these alternatives.
Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone is positioning itself as a formidable player in the green hydrogen landscape, forging partnerships and embracing sustainable practices that align with global environmental objectives. As the world seeks cleaner energy solutions, Egypt is poised to play a pivotal role in this transformative journey.
