SHIPPING + MARITIME-

AD Ports souping up Safaga terminal: AD Ports Group is gearing up to install three Panamax-class cranes from China’s Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries at its multi-purpose terminal at Safaga Port, according to a press release. AD Ports is pouring AED 193 mn into its Safaga terminal to install three ship-to-shore cranes and six hybrid rubber tyred gantry cranes.

ICYMI- The company tapped Egypt’s Hassan Allam Construction back in December to undertake the construction of the terminal, which is expected to become operational in 2H 2026.

REFRESHER- The Emirati port developer inked a definitive 30-year concession agreement with Egypt’s Red Sea Ports Authority for the development and operation of the Safaga Port in 2024. The firm aimed to invest USD 200 mn to develop the facility, according to reports at the time.

ROADS-

Iraq revives Europe-Gulf transit line: The Iraqi government has reopened a road that connects the Arabian Gulf from Iraq’s Umm Qasr port with the Mediterranean through Turkey’s Mersin port, according to a statement. The re-opening came after a feasibility study by the Iraqi authorities estimated that 40% of commercial traffic on the road will be cross-border, with the remaining 60% contributing to domestic trade.

Paving the way: Iraq’s Transport Ministry launched a pilot transport operation in partnership with the International Road Transport Union (IRU) via its TIR system for the first time earlier this week. The operation encompassed Mesrin port, Umm Qasr port, and Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port.

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