by InTrieste
A groundbreaking maritime freight route connecting the Italian port city of Trieste to Damietta, Egypt, was inaugurated on Monday, marking a pivotal moment for trade across the Mediterranean. The ceremony drew high-profile leaders, including Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister Kamel Al-Wazir, and regional officials from Friuli Venezia Giulia, underscoring the route’s importance for international commerce.
The new service, operated by Denmark’s DFDS Group in partnership with Samer&Co Shipping, promises to revolutionize freight transport between Europe and the Middle East. It leverages cutting-edge blockchain technology and digital customs systems to reduce transit times to approximately 60 hours. Dubbed a “Motorway of the Sea,” the route is expected to play a vital role in connecting European markets with Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, with a particular focus on facilitating the export of perishable goods.
“This new Trieste-Damietta line exemplifies how crises can catalyze innovation and collaboration,” said Cristina Amirante, Regional Councillor for Infrastructure and Territory, referencing the disruptions to Mediterranean trade following tensions in the Suez Canal. “Reviving commercial exchanges that were stalled due to geopolitical factors is crucial for economic resilience.”
The project stems from a bilateral agreement signed earlier this year between Italy and Egypt. Initially offering weekly departures, the service is set to expand to twice-weekly operations by mid-2025. It also integrates with Trieste’s extensive rail network, positioning the port as a critical hub for European supply chains.
Trieste’s strategic location and logistics infrastructure make it a natural choice for this initiative. Officials highlighted the city’s historical role as a maritime gateway, now enhanced through modern innovations. “This route strengthens Europe’s position while underscoring the strategic importance of Trieste and Friuli Venezia Giulia’s logistics systems,” Amirante added.
The event was not just a regional milestone but also a moment of pride for the local shipping community. Fabio Scoccimarro, Regional Councillor for Environmental Protection, paid tribute to Enrico Samer and his family, whose company plays a key role in the project. “Today, we establish new foundations for strategic connections that benefit both Friuli Venezia Giulia and Italy,” Scoccimarro said.
The launch also carries geopolitical significance. With Damietta located near the Suez Canal, the route offers a reliable alternative for trade flows disrupted by international crises. As part of its broader impact, the line aims to enhance economic ties between Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, bolstering the Mediterranean’s role as a trade corridor.
As the inaugural ship set sail, leaders on both sides hailed the initiative as a model for international cooperation. “This is more than a transport link,” Salvini remarked. “It’s a testament to the power of collaboration to drive growth and resilience in an interconnected world.”
For Trieste, a city with a storied maritime tradition, the new route signals a step forward in reclaiming its historical role as a hub of global trade.
