Egypt launches green ship waste collection system in Suez Canal

Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport Kamel El Wazir on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting to advance a green initiative for collecting waste from ships transiting the Suez Canal, according to a statement by the Egyptian Cabinet on Thursday.

Discussions focused on ensuring the fair integration of marine waste contractors into the new system, led by Antipollution Egypt, which will manage ship waste safely and in line with international standards, without affecting existing workers, in line with presidential directives.

El Wazir reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to international environmental standards, highlighting the strategic goal of transforming all ports into green ports using clean fuels like hydrogen and ammonia.

He said the Suez Canal should serve as a global model for green shipping, noting that the Canal Authority has begun implementing safe waste collection via Antipollution Egypt. He also proposed the assignment of the Holding Company for Maritime and Land Transport as a mediator between the company and marine contractors.

Environment Minister Yasmine Fouad highlighted that Antipollution Egypt will handle waste collection, transport and recycling, affirming that the ministry is closely monitoring project implementation to ensure full environmental compliance.

Suez Canel Authority Chairman Ossama Rabie noted that the waste management project will be implemented in partnership with Greece’s V Group, owner of Antipollution, which will invest $150 million over seven years to develop necessary infrastructure, including eco-friendly marine units.

V Group Chairman Veron Vassiliadis pointed out that the company has invested over $11 million in environmentally certified offshore and onshore units to enable operational readiness, in addition to advanced units for the safe disposal and recycling of waste in line with the highest international environmental standards, enhancing waste management efficiency in vital passages.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: M. S. Salama