The move aims to reduce shipping time and costs and reduce reliance on land routes or transportation through intermediaries.
Direct shipping routes for transporting trucks and trailers loaded with goods via dedicated vessels, without the need for unloading and reloading.
Egypt plans to launch two RoRo shipping lines with Saudi Arabia and Turkey before the end of this year, as part of strengthening regional logistics connectivity and facilitating trade and freight transport between the two countries,Hossam Heiba, CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones, told Asharq.
RORO lines are direct, regular shipping routes used to transport trucks and trailers loaded with goods via dedicated ships, without the need to unload and reload the cargo. This helps reduce shipping time and costs, and reduces reliance on long land routes or transportation via intermediaries.
These lines are typically used to transport perishable agricultural products, along with heavy vehicles and machinery, and represent an opportunity to accelerate trade between markets.
Egypt previously launched a RoRo line between Damietta Port and Trieste Port in Italy in November 2024, and is currently working on establishing a similar line with Croatia, as part of its strategy to use the two countries as logistics centers for exports to neighboring European markets, according to previous statements by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.
Growth in Egyptian Exports
This trend comes at a time when Egyptian exports are experiencing continuous growth. The value of commodity exports reached approximately $16.6 billion during the first five months of 2025, a 9.8% year-on-year increase. The Saudi and Turkish markets are among the most prominent target markets for Egyptian exports and imports.
Trade between Egypt and Saudi Arabia
The volume of trade between Egypt and Saudi Arabia amounts to $13 billion, according to statements made by Alaa Farouk, Egypt’s Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, in April 2024. This trade witnessed a 36% growth over the past year, and the volume of Egyptian exports to the Kingdom increased by 26%, according to Saleh bin Eid Al-Hussaini, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Egypt.
Trade Surplus with Turkey
Regarding relations with Turkey, Egypt’s trade balance in 2024 achieved a surplus in its favor, exceeding $300 million. The Turkish ambassador to Cairo described this as a “healthy and sustainable surplus.
Heiba added to Asharq Al-Awsat, on the sidelines of the opening of a new factory in 10th of Ramadan City, that his country expects to open two new factories that have obtained the Golden License before the end of the year.
On the other hand The Alexandria Container & Cargo Handling Compamy chosen as Top 100 Companies Award, celebrating leading EGX-listed firms that have demonstrated exceptional performance, resilience, and contribution to Egypt’s economy. Companies that have set benchmarks in financial strength, innovation, and sustainable growth
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