Industrious Preparations Underway to Resume River Navigation Between Sudan and Egypt
Wadi Halfa – Sudanhorizon
The Nile Valley River Navigation Authority announced on Wednesday the imminent resumption of river navigation between Sudan and Egypt after a six-year hiatus. This move is considered a practical step towards restoring extensive economic and social activities between the two countries.
The Authority’s Director General, Colonel (Navy) Mohamed Adam Mohamed Abkar, confirmed the completion of most technical, logistical, and security arrangements for resuming navigation. This initiative aims to strengthen joint cooperation and revive the historical artery connecting the two banks of the Nile.
According to a statement from the Sudanese Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, Abkar explained that river transport represents a true “link” between the two peoples. He indicated that the coming period will witness the regular return of steamer trips, which will contribute to facilitating the movement of citizens, supporting economic activities, and stimulating trade, especially for small traders.
The official inspected the Wadi Halfa River Port as part of a delegation that included representatives from the Egyptian Ministry of Transport, the Egyptian Consulate General in Halfa, and the Sudanese Consulate in Aswan.
The delegation reviewed the progress of construction work for transporting passengers, goods, and livestock. The Director General revealed that the port’s quay construction is 75% complete, confirming that the project is progressing according to plan. He emphasized the port’s full readiness in terms of security and safety, and the integrated roles of the relevant authorities to ensure the safe operation of the waterway.
The Director General also announced the imminent entry into service of the fully equipped vessel “Sinai,” which holds jointly owned by Sudan and Egypt. This vessel will directly contribute to transporting citizens as part of the “voluntary return” phase, expected to be officially launched within the next two months.
He noted that the resumption of navigation came at the direct instruction by the transport ministries in both countries. He added that the upcoming coordination meeting between the two ministers will address all operational obstacles, and he affirmed that the resumption of services will provide immediate solutions to the visa problem and will positively impact development in Wadi Halfa and the surrounding areas.
It is worth noting that Wadi El Nil River Navigation is a joint government institution established in 1975, specializing in transporting passengers and goods between the High Dam port in Aswan and Wadi Halfa. The shipping line had been suspended since 2019 for technical, operational and economic reasons, including ship breakdowns, high operating costs and declining economic viability, in addition to fluctuating water levels and border coordination procedures, up to the recent security challenges in Sudan.
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