Lieutenant General Osama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), announced on Monday the arrival of marine units from the ‘Antipollution Egypt’ fleet in preparation for the launch of a new service aimed at collecting and safely disposing of waste from ships traversing the Suez Canal. This service, expected to begin in the first quarter of 2025, will operate at both the northern and southern entrances of the canal.
The new service will follow international environmental standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The service will utilize advanced marine equipment specifically designed for waste collection operations that adhere to eco-friendly methods. A key component of the initiative is the ECO SUEZ 1, an environmentally friendly waste collection vessel, which marks the first unit in Antipollution Egypt’s dedicated fleet for this purpose.
Commitment to Green Transformation
Lieutenant General Rabie emphasized that the introduction of this waste collection and disposal service is part of the SCA’s broader strategy for green transformation. The Authority is increasingly focusing on adopting environmentally friendly policies across its operations, aiming to reduce the environmental footprint of maritime activities. The service will not only ensure that waste from passing ships is safely removed and disposed of but will also focus on recycling and resource recovery to minimize environmental impact.
Rabie also revealed that contracts are currently underway to build a series of new vessels for environmentally friendly waste collection. The designs include provisions for hybrid units that operate on alternative fuels, further supporting the SCA’s commitment to sustainable and green maritime practices.
Partnership with Antipollution Egypt
This is a partnership between the SCA and Antipollution Egypt, an Egyptian joint-stock company. This partnership involves key players, including the Canal Ropes Company, the Suez Maritime Shipyard Company, and the Greek company Antipollution, along with Eric Adam, an Egyptian-Greek businessman. The joint initiative will focus on the collection and recycling of both solid and liquid marine waste from ships, further enhancing the range of logistical services available to vessels transiting the Suez Canal.
Veron Vaisiliadis, Chairman of the Board of Directors of V Group, the owner of the Greek company Antipollution, expressed that the new partnership with the Suez Canal is a pivotal step in localizing ship waste collection technologies. He emphasized that the initiative aims to create a sustainable and safe solution for waste management in the region, contributing to the long-term environmental health of the Suez Canal and its surrounding areas.
Phased Implementation
The project’s first stage will focus on collecting solid waste from ships that are waiting in the canal’s designated areas. The subsequent stages will involve the establishment of a waste-to-fuel factory, where the collected waste will be converted into green hydrogen, an environmentally sustainable energy source. This phased approach ensures a comprehensive waste management solution that not only addresses immediate environmental concerns but also supports long-term energy sustainability in the region.
