Green partnership between Egypt and Greece in the Suez Canal
With Egypt’s concrete efforts in achievingSustainable Development Goals (SDGs), its development partnerships remain the best way to build a growing economy and comprehensive development in all fields. Now - in light of the increasing global shift towards environmental protection - the Suez Canal Authority is witnessing a new strategic partnership between Egypt and Greece.
This international partnership aims to enhance the maritime transport sector in a sustainable manner and promote environmentally friendly practices in the Suez Canal. One of the most important waterways in the world, which reflects the commitment of the two countries - Egypt and Greece - to an ambitious vision that transcends geographical borders and consolidates cooperation to build a greener and more sustainable future.
This was part of the activities of the Ismailia Governorate celebration - on Wednesday - on the occasion of the “Day of Excellence” of the Suez Canal Authority, in the presence of a high-level presence led by Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, “Prime Minister,” and Lieutenant General Osama Rabie, “Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority,” along with a number of prominent local and international figures.
There, the celebration turned into a global platform to highlight the most prominent projects of the Suez Canal Authority for the current year, most notably the new cooperation with the Greek “V” company, which owns the “Antipollution” company, which aims - within the framework of the principle of establishing partnerships to achieve goals - to enhance environmental sustainability and achieve the highest safety standards in the Suez Canal corridor.
The new project focuses on developing the work system within the canal by introducing environmentally friendly technologies, and achieving a balance between economic growth and protecting the marine environment. It is expected to contribute to reducing thecarbon footprintof maritime transport, and to enhance international standards for safe and sustainable navigation.
In his influential speech, Philon Vasiliadis - Chairman of the Board of Directors of V Company - expressed his pride in the partnership with the Suez Canal Authority, noting that the canal has become an international center for the convergence of environmental innovations, and a successful example of integrating efforts between countries for a more sustainable future. He added that this Egyptian-Greek cooperation reflects a real commitment to redrawing the map of global maritime transport in a way that puts the environment at the heart of the development process.
Jarac Platen - Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping - also stressed that the Suez Canal has demonstrated its solidity and strategic importance in facing major challenges, citing its management of the “Ever Given” ship crisis in 2021, which disrupted global navigation, yet revealed exceptional Egyptian capabilities in management and rapid response to crises.
The bilateral project between Egypt and Greece directly intersects with a number of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, most notably Goal No. (13) related to climate action, by seeking to reduce emissions resulting from ship traffic and developing environmentally friendly marine technologies. The project also serves Goal No. (9) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. It contributes to modernizing the infrastructure of the Suez Canal by incorporating innovative solutions that increase the efficiency of the shipping lane without harming the surrounding environmental systems.
In conclusion,Earth Guardsemphasizes the importance of the pivotal role played by international partnerships in pushing the wheel of sustainable development forward, not only by exchanging experiences and technologies, but also by building common visions that go beyond individual interests towards global goals that are in the interest of all humanity.
