Dr. Mahmoud Khalifat, Director General of the Aqaba Company for the Management and Operation of Ports, has been elected chairman of the Arab Maritime Ports Union, succeeding Emirati Mohammed Al-Shamsi.
اضافة اعلان
The election took place during the 65th session of the union’s Board of Directors, held in the Egyptian city of Alexandria.
Khalifat’s election to the specialized Arab position represents an important achievement for Jordan and recognition of the growing standing of the country’s port system, particularly the Port of Aqaba, Jordan’s only maritime gateway and a key hub for trade, supply chains, transportation and logistics services.
The election also reflects Arab confidence in Jordanian expertise and capabilities in port management and operations, as well as the progress achieved by the Aqaba Company for the Management and Operation of Ports in cargo handling, maritime services and operational efficiency. The company also plays a role in supporting the national economy and ensuring the smooth flow of imports and exports.
The position carries regional significance amid the rapidly evolving challenges facing maritime transport and disruptions affecting global supply chains. It gives Jordan a greater role in shaping Arab port-sector policies and strengthening coordination among ports, with the aim of developing a more integrated, efficient and competitive Arab maritime system.
Following his election, Khalifat said the confidence placed in him by the union’s Board of Directors would serve as an incentive to continue developing port operations and strengthening cooperation among Arab ports. He said this would help improve operational efficiency, enhance competitiveness and keep pace with rapid changes in maritime transport and logistics.
He stressed the importance of strengthening coordination and integration among Arab ports to address regional and international logistical challenges, develop maritime services, facilitate trade and maritime transport between Arab countries, accelerate cargo-handling operations and improve the efficiency of supply chains.
Khalifat also said the next phase would require accelerating digital transformation and developing the concept of smart ports by modernizing infrastructure, adopting advanced technologies and upgrading operational mechanisms. These steps, he said, would improve efficiency, support innovation and sustainability, and strengthen the ability of Arab ports to keep pace with global developments in the maritime industry.
Jordan’s leadership of the union is expected to enhance the presence of the Port of Aqaba on the Arab and regional maritime transport map, while expanding opportunities for exchanging expertise and developing partnerships. It will also provide greater access to Arab and international experiences in digitalization, maritime security, operations management and workforce development.
The Arab Maritime Ports Union is one of the specialized Arab organizations operating under the umbrella of the League of Arab States through the Council of Arab Economic Unity. Established in Alexandria in 1976, the union aims to develop Arab ports, improve their operational efficiency and promote economic integration among Arab countries through the maritime transport sector.
The union works to strengthen ties among member ports, exchange expertise, information and economic and technical studies, keep pace with global developments in the maritime industry, and benefit from modern digital technologies.
Its membership includes a number of Arab port authorities, institutions and ports, including the Aqaba Company for the Management and Operation of Ports, Egyptian port authorities and ports, as well as Abu Dhabi Ports and Sharjah Ports in the United Arab Emirates.
