<p>Egypt and Greece are exploring new maritime connections between their ports as part of efforts to strengthen trade, passenger transport and logistics cooperation across the Eastern Mediterranean. Discussions between the Alexandria Port Authority and a Greek maritime delegation have focused on establishing direct shipping links that could improve the movement of goods and passengers while creating additional transport options for businesses operating between the two countries.</p><p>The discussions took place during the third session of the Egyptian-Greek Joint Maritime Committee, held on 5 October 2026. The Alexandria Port Authority received a delegation led by representatives of Greece's maritime administration, including officials associated with the ports of Patras and Volos. The meetings examined practical measures to advance maritime cooperation and move proposed shipping connections towards technical and commercial evaluation.</p><p>One of the main proposals is an Alexandria–Patras service using a roll-on/roll-off passenger vessel, commonly known as a Ro-Pax service. Such vessels can carry passengers alongside trucks and other wheeled vehicles, potentially providing an alternative to road-and-sea transport combinations. A second proposed connection would link Alexandria with Volos through a roll-on/roll-off freight service, designed to facilitate the movement of vehicles and other compatible cargo between the two ports.</p><p>The proposed routes could strengthen commercial exchanges by providing additional maritime links between North Africa and Southern Europe. Direct sea connections can help transport operators coordinate vehicle movements, reduce reliance on complex multimodal transfers and provide another option for moving suitable cargo. Their commercial attractiveness will depend on sailing frequency, vessel capacity, freight rates, transit times and the level of demand from shipping companies and cargo owners.</p><p>The Greek delegation also expressed interest in expanding trade with Alexandria to include dry bulk cargo. This could create opportunities for businesses dealing in commodities that are transported in large quantities without individual packaging. Greater cooperation in bulk cargo handling could support industrial supply chains and diversify the types of goods moving between Egypt and Greece, subject to suitable terminal facilities and commercially viable demand.</p><p>Tourism and passenger transport also featured in the discussions. The two sides explored opportunities to coordinate Alexandria and Greek ports as home ports for cruise operations in the Eastern Mediterranean. Greater cooperation could help develop combined maritime tourism offerings and encourage closer coordination between port operators, cruise companies and tourism service providers. Any future services would require further planning and agreement on operational arrangements.</p><p>Alexandria Port's existing facilities provide an important foundation for evaluating the proposed routes. During their visit, the Greek delegation inspected passenger facilities, roll-on/roll-off berths and the Tahya Misr multipurpose terminal. The visit enabled participants to assess the port's operational capabilities and discuss the infrastructure and logistics requirements associated with the proposed maritime connections.</p><p>The next phase will involve technical meetings to examine the operational, commercial and logistical aspects of the proposed services. Decisions will need to address vessel requirements, terminal readiness, customs procedures, schedules, cargo demand and the financial viability of each route. If the proposals progress successfully, the new connections could strengthen maritime trade between Egypt and Greece and provide additional links between African and European logistics networks.&nbsp;</p>