Port Tawfik-Jeddah navigation to resume after 13-year suspension

CAIRO - 21 February 2019: The chairman of the Red Sea Ports Authority announced the official reopening of the maritime navigation line between Egypt's Port Tawfik and Saudi Arabia's port of Jeddah after being closed for 13 years, following the sinking of Al Salam 98 passenger ferry.

Chairman of the Red Sea Ports Authority Ayman Saleh said that the authority has coordinated with the Egyptian Authority for Maritime Safety to activate the decision no. 373 of the transportation minister, which will open the door of employment opportunities for thousands of people in Suez Governorate.

Saleh stressed that Port Tawfik is ready for any number of ships, as all the needs for passenger traffic and port security are provided by the port's police department.

Salam 98 sank in the Red Sea in February 2006, not so far from Hurghada on its way back from Saudi Arabia to Safaga. The ferry reportedly carried around 1,400 people, and over 200 cars, while over 1,000 of the passengers were reported dead.

The Red Sea Ports Authority announced in 2015 receiving 350 cars on board of the Egyptian Dignity ferry coming from Jeddah to Port Tawfik. Also, in 2014, al-Mahabba ferry arrived in the port carrying 261 passengers and 50 cars.