SHIPPING + MARITIME -

Egypt taps Chinese shipyard for two new ships: The National Navigation Company (NNC) inked a contract with Chinese shipbuilding firm Jiangsu Hantong Shipyard for the uptake of two 82k dwt Kamsarmax newbuild dry bulk cargo ships, according to a statement. The order is scheduled for delivery in H2 2028.

The new order will bring the state-owned firm’s total fleet to 18 ships, in line with its goal to modernize 54% of its fleet. NNC’s plan is also part of the Transport and Industry Ministry’s larger bid to bolster the size of the state-owned fleet to 36 ships by 2030, according to the statement.

Not a first: The NNC tapped Hangtong Shipyard for two of the same vessel types in April last year, with the vessels scheduled for delivery in 2026. The firm also integrated a USD 39 mn Chinese-owned bulk carrier – dubbed Gia Ambition – with 85k dwt capacity in May last year.

About Kamsarmax vessels: With dimensions similar to the Panamax vessel, Kamsarmax is designed to maximize cargo capacity while adhering to the dimensions needed to still be able to cross the Panama Canal, Philippines-based shipbuilder Tsuneishi reports. Kamsarmax also features a shallow draft of 14.5 m, allowing it the versatility to enter most major ports. The vessel has a cargo capacity of 98k TEUs and is specialised in carrying large hauls of low-density cargoes.

Targeting sustainability: The new vessels will be equipped with fuel-reducing technology and advanced systems to cap emissions, with newer models of Kamsarmax usually offering a 31% reduction in fuel consumption per ton-mile, in comparison to their predecessors.

ZONES-

Egyptian-Sudanese logistics zone incoming? Egypt and Sudan inked a contract to establish a logistics zone on the border crossing between them, Sudanese Ambassador to Egypt Imad Al Din Adawi told Asharq Business. The project aims to boost trade between the two neighboring countries.

The details: The zone will include dry and refrigerated storage facilities, as well as banks and financial institutions to facilitate commercial agreements between the two sides. The Arab Academy for Science, Technology, and Maritime Transport completed a comprehensive study on establishing the zone, which will be presented in November, according to a statement from the Sudanese Embassy in Cairo.

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