Alexandria: The Arab Sea Ports Federation (ASPF) held an important meeting at its headquarters in Alexandria, chaired by Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, who is both Chairman of AD Ports Group and of the Federation. Representatives from Jordan, the UAE, Iraq, Lebanon, Sudan and Kuwait attended the meeting, as did the heads of various maritime port, safety and economic zone authorities, and the Port Training Institute. Most of the participating Arab countries joined the meeting via Zoom. The meeting was convened to elect a new Secretary-General to succeed the previous incumbent.

Notably, the ASPF is one of the most significant specialised Arab organisations operating under the umbrella of the League of Arab States, specifically the Council of Arab Economic Unity. Its headquarters are located in Alexandria, Arab Republic of Egypt.

Rear Admiral Tarek Abdullah 

Rear Admiral Tarek Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah has been appointed as the ASPF's Secretary-General, succeeding Rear Admiral Essam Badawi (who previously held the position before moving on to other responsibilities), and he previously served as the Head of the Maritime Transport and Logistics Sector in Egypt (under the Ministry of Transport) in August 2024. During his tenure, he led the sector efficiently through a period of significant expansion in maritime transport projects and the development and integration of Egyptian ports into global trade routes. Before this appointment, he served as an advisor to the Maritime Transport Sector, focusing on port and lighthouse affairs.

During his time in the role, he made it a priority to represent the Union at international maritime forums and conferences. He also worked to build relationships with global maritime organisations. His goal was to enhance the standing of Arab ports on the global trade map and supply chains.

.He has an extensive military and professional history, and has gained expertise in maritime administration, port management, navigation oversight, and the implementation of international maritime standards and conventions.
He connects the Union with international organisations and forums.

Chairman of the Board:

Notably, the Union's Board of Directors is chaired by Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, who is also Chairman of AD Ports Group, Managing Director, and Group CEO.Leadership Stature: Captain Al Shamisi is one of the most influential figures in the maritime transport and logistics sector, both in the Middle East and worldwide. He plays a prominent role in developing strategies to enhance the international standing of Arab ports.

Objectives and role of the ASPF 

Coordination and cooperation: Strengthening cooperation and coordination between the relevant authorities, institutions, and companies responsible for seaports across Arab nations.

Enhancing efficiency: Facilitating the exchange of technical, administrative, and operational expertise to develop Arab ports and boost their global competitiveness.

Technological Advancement: Keeping pace with the latest technological and logistical systems in port management and supply chains to promote Arab economic integration within the maritime transport sector.

Rear Admiral Ausam Badwi, the former secretary general 

Rear Admiral Essam Badwi, the former secretary general of the Union, drew on his extensive military background, having served as Commander of the Submarine Force, as well as his extensive civilian experience as Chairman of the Damietta Port Authority and Head of the Egyptian Maritime Transport Sector. Throughout his many years of service, he was able to apply his strategic vision to shape policies and action plans that advanced the Union’s objectives. Modernisation, technological advancement, and environmental initiatives are all supported.

The General Secretariat

The General Secretariat consists of the Union’s Secretary-General, supported by a staff structure in accordance with the Union’s organizational framework. The Secretary-General is appointed by the Board of Directors for a four-year term, renewable only once. The Union participates as an observer in the meetings of the Council of Arab Transport Ministers and the Council of Arab Economic Unity. It also takes part in the meetings of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and the Union of North African Port Authorities. Given the importance of the Union’s role in the development and advancement of Arab seaports, Resolution No. 183 of the Council of Arab Transport Ministers—adopted during its thirteenth session on October 22, 1997—reaffirmed the Council’s earlier Resolution No. 130, which called upon Arab states not yet affiliated with the Union of Arab Seaports to join, to broaden the benefits and maximize the Union’s effectiveness.

Pursuant to Resolution No. 222 (VI) of the Council of Arab Transport Ministers, adopted during its sixteenth session on October 22, 2003, the secretariat of the Technical Committee for Maritime Transport was entrusted to the Union of Arab Seaports.

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