CAIRO – Egypt’s Minister of Transport Kamel el-Wazir has said that the political leadership issued directives aimed at upgrading the Egyptian merchant fleet and maximising the use of the maritime transportation system to support the national economy.
The minister made the remarks on Wednesday during the signing ceremony of a lease agreement at the ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, under which the Saudi Marine Transportation Company (MACNA) will rent the Egyptian Transportation Ministry’s KCFMT High Speed Craft (HSC) ALRIYADH.
As per the new thinking, the KCFMT will make its affiliated HSC ALRIYADH available for lease to maintain its technical efficiency and secure an income for the company that would help implement the company’s development plan and purchase new units, according to the minister.
This deal is the first of other agreements and steps aimed to support the Egyptian merchant fleet, he said.
ALRIYADH will be operated to offer coastal sailing services between Saudi Jazan and Farasan Island ports, as part of efforts to foster co-operation between the two sides in the maritime transportation field and enhance the economic partnership between both countries.
Meanwhile, MACNA Managing Director Michael McCourt hailed co-operation with the Egyptian Ministry of Transport in the maritime transportation field, describing the underway mega projects he witnessed in Egypt as “impressive”.
