The administration of East Port Said, situated at the northern gateway of the Suez Canal, is setting its sights on the port of Thessaloniki as a potential route to the Balkans and Europe.
This ambitious vision extends to not only facilitating the transportation of Egyptian non-durable goods but also opening up prospects for Egyptian green hydrogen in the future. The development was revealed in an exclusive interview with Ali Asem Ibrahim, the General Manager of East Port Said, speaking to the ANA-MPA agency.
As part of this forward-thinking strategy, Ibrahim is actively advocating the establishment of a cruise line that would directly link Thessaloniki with Port Said, marking a significant leap in maritime connectivity. These proposals are currently under discussion as part of a memorandum of cooperation that was recently signed between East Port Said and the Thessaloniki Port Authority.
Ibrahim’s visit to Thessaloniki was in conjunction with his participation in the First International Connectivity Forum in South East Europe, underlining the significance of these developments. The director of East Port Said firmly believes that the collaboration with the port of Thessaloniki will prove to be mutually beneficial, essentially creating a win-win situation for both entities involved.
Thessaloniki, located in Northern Greece, occupies a strategic position in the Balkans and Southern Europe. With its well-established transportation infrastructure, it serves as a significant gateway for trade between these regions. The Port of Thessaloniki has been continuously expanding and modernizing its facilities, making it an attractive hub for international trade and logistics.
For Egypt, the move to establish a strong trade link with Thessaloniki is part of a broader strategy to diversify and expand its trade partnerships. East Port Said is a vital maritime hub for Egypt, situated at the northern entrance of the Suez Canal, one of the world’s busiest and most crucial waterways for global trade. Leveraging Thessaloniki as a gateway to the Balkans and Europe aligns perfectly with Egypt’s ambitions to boost its non-durable goods exports and explore the potential of green hydrogen production.
Green hydrogen has been gaining momentum as a clean and sustainable energy source. Produced by electrolyzing water using renewable energy sources, it holds great promise for decarbonizing various sectors, including transportation and industry. Egypt, with its abundant solar and wind resources, is well-positioned to become a key player in green hydrogen production. By considering Thessaloniki as a gateway, Egypt can potentially tap into European markets for green hydrogen, contributing to the global transition toward cleaner energy sources.
