Parliament approves jail, LE 1 Million fine for unregistered ships in Egypt

CAIRO – 17 December 2024: The Egyptian Parliament, headed by Speaker Dr. Hanafi Jabali, approved on Tuesday a law imposing jail time and hefty fines on anyone operating an unregistered ship under the Egyptian flag.

Under Article (21) of the legislation, individuals who operate unregistered ships under the Egyptian flag will face a jail term of no less than three months and a fine ranging between EGP 100,000 and EGP 1 million, or one of the two penalties.

A proposal by MP Ayman Mohsab to include a clause doubling the penalty in cases of repeat offenses was rejected. Mahmoud Fawzi, Minister of Parliamentary and Legal Affairs, argued that the existing penalties are proportional to the offense, noting that the law’s primary aim is to encourage ship registration rather than impose punitive deterrence.

MP Mahmoud Al-Dabaa outlined the objectives of the bill, emphasizing its role in attracting ships to register under the Egyptian flag. This move is expected to boost the Egyptian economy and position the country as a global hub for maritime transport and logistics while supporting international trade.

Al-Dabaa added that the legislation will enhance Egyptian ports as secure and modern maritime centers capable of meeting global trade demands while prioritizing national security and sovereignty.

The Transport and Communications Committee stressed that the bill aligns with Egypt’s maritime strategy, aiming to increase the number of ships flying the Egyptian flag and advance the maritime transport sector under the 2030 National Strategy. The law also seeks to elevate Egypt’s international maritime standing and attract foreign investments in the sector.