During the activities of the International Maritime Transport and Logistics Conference Marlog Conference 14 and its accompanying exhibition, held at the Hilton Green Plaza Hotel in Alexandria from February 23–25, 2025, Admiral Dr. Rafik Abousayed - the Executive Managing Director of DCHC ( Damietta Container & Cargo Handling Co. ), received a high-level delegation from the Italian shipping line Ignazio Messina & C. , a renowned Italian shipping company specializing in container logistics and providing efficient global shipping solutions. The delegation was accompanied by senior executives from Ocean Express Shipping to explore potential avenues for future cooperation between the two parties.
The delegation included:
Mr. Ignazio Messina – CEO of Messina Group
Mr. Stefano Pomata – Mediterranean Line Manager, Ignazio Messina Line
Mr. Roberto Giona – Executive Director, Ignazio Messina Line, Mediterranean & Southeast Africa Region
Capt. Ibrahim Taha – Chairman, Ocean Express Shipping
Mr. Mohamed Koptan – General Manager, Ocean Express Shipping
Mr. Nabil Abdel-Wareth – Business Development Manager, Ocean Express Shipping
The delegation was given a detailed presentation on the company’s capabilities and recent development projects, which included:
✅ Expansion of berths to enhance container handling efficiency.
✅ Increased storage capacity to meet customer demands.
✅ State-of-the-art equipment to boost handling rates and expedite operations.
🎥 The presentation also featured a documentary film showcasing DCHC’s berths, giant quay cranes in operation, Ro-Ro berth, storage yards, and the latest operational equipment.
The delegates expressed their admiration for the significant developments at DCHC, highlighting their appreciation for the remarkable progress achieved by the company, which reinforces its position as a preferred hub for major global shipping lines.
The Executive Managing Director of DCHC expressed his delight at the visit of the Italian shipping line, emphasizing that it reflects Italy’s growing interest in strengthening collaboration with Egyptian ports. He also extended his appreciation to Captain Ibrahim Taha, Chairman of Ocean Express Shipping.
He further affirmed that DCHC’s continuous development—including infrastructure upgrades, berth expansions, and increased storage capacity—has positioned the terminal as a preferred destination for leading global shipping lines, including Italian carriers. Additionally, importers, exporters, and logistics companies are benefiting from DCHC’s advanced capabilities.
This success aligns with the strategic plan of the Egyptian Ministry of Transport, under the directives of H.E. Lieutenant General Kamel El-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry & Transport, ensuring the modernization of Damietta Container Terminal in accordance with Egypt’s vision to become a global and regional hub for maritime transport, logistics, and transit trade.
