The Egyptian-Italian roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) cargo line, which will connect Egypt’s Damietta port to Italy’s Trieste port, is set to begin operations on 29 November 2024. The first vessel is scheduled to arrive in Trieste on 2 December.
This initiative was announced at a conference attended by Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development, Minister of Industry and Transport, Kamel El-Wazir. The project is part of Egypt’s broader strategy to strengthen its position as a regional hub for transportation, logistics, and transit trade, in line with President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi’s economic directives.
El-Wazir emphasized that the Ro-Ro cargo line is aimed at facilitating trade, especially for Egyptian agricultural exports to Italy and Europe, which will help boost Egypt’s foreign exchange reserves. The minister described the new maritime route as a “green corridor,” symbolizing the strong economic and strategic partnership between Egypt and Italy.
The project has been supported by the Egyptian government, with significant incentives provided, including an 88% reduction in port fees and a substantial decrease in road transit fees for trucks. For instance, the road transit fees for both incoming and outgoing trucks have been slashed from $300 and $350 to a flat rate of $100.
The line will have a weekly capacity of 420 trucks and is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening maritime connectivity between Egypt and Italy. The Ro-Ro method, which allows vehicles and machinery to be driven on and off special vessels, is a key logistics solution that will serve the economic interests of both countries.
El-Wazir confirmed that all legal documents required for the operation of the line have been signed with Italian counterparts, and working groups from both countries have been established to oversee its successful implementation.
The launch of the Ro-Ro line is expected to have significant economic benefits, fostering increased trade and cooperation between Egypt and Italy.
