Damietta: Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir announced that Damietta Port recorded its highest annual cargo handling figures since its inauguration in 1986, managing 46.4 million tons during the 2025/26 fiscal year. This marks a 5% increase from the 44.2 million tons handled the previous year. According to State Information Service Egypt, the minister emphasized in a statement on Friday, July 10, 2026, that this record performance is a testament to the port's improved operational efficiency. It also highlights the success of ongoing modernization and expansion projects being undertaken at the facility. The port welcomed 3,261 vessels over the fiscal year, a slight increase from the 3,221 vessels recorded in 2024/25. General cargo volumes saw a 6% rise, reaching 31.6 million tons, while containerized cargo grew by 3% to 14.8 million tons. These figures underscore the growing demand for the port's services and its enhanced capacity to support expanding maritime trade. Minister El-Wazir noted that this achieve ment aligns with Egypt's broader strategy to transform its ports into regional hubs for transport, logistics, and transit trade. This initiative is part of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's directive to bolster the country's maritime infrastructure and enhance its global competitiveness.