River navigation between Egypt and Sudan: Trial trips begin after years of suspension
Operating river navigation between the High Dam and Wadi Halfa
Written by: Mohamed Ragab
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Nile Valley River Navigation Authority announced SudaneseColonel Mohamed Adam Abkar announced the start of trial trips in preparation for resuming river navigation between the High Dam and Wadi Halfa, in a move considered an important development in the course of cooperation between Egypt and Sudan, after a hiatus of several years, according to the Sudanese News Agency.
And came Advertisement During a massive official and popular reception at Wadi Halfa port on Friday morning for the delegation participating in the trial voyage on board the ship “Sinai”, in the presence of Sudanese and Egyptian officials, including the Deputy Executive Director of Halfa locality, Mr. Ali Hashim Muhammad, and the Egyptian Consul in Wadi Halfa, in addition to the local security committee, the port director, and local and popular leaders.
With the return of the river navigation route
The event witnessed a large turnout from the people of the region, reflecting a state of welcome and celebration of the return of the river navigation line that connects Wadi Halfa and Aswan, which is one of the most important historical corridors for communication between the people of the Nile Valley.
Professor Ali Hashim, the acting executive director of Halfa locality, confirmed that the resumption of river navigation represents a step with economic, social and humanitarian dimensions, noting that it will contribute to revitalizing the movement of trade, goods and passengers, in addition to strengthening the historical ties between the two countries.
For his part, the Consul General of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Wadi Halfa, Ambassador Basil Toman, welcomed the warm reception, stressing Egypt’s support for all joint projects with Sudan, especially in the transport sector, and working to overcome obstacles related to visas and facilitate transit between the two sides.
In the same context, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of 3A International, Engineer Abdul Latif Abdul Moneim, explained that the trial trip aims to ensure the safety of the navigation routes and to complete the necessary technical and coordination arrangements before the official operation of the shipping line.
The river steamers were ready
He noted that the river steamers had been ready for operation for more than a year, but some technical challenges, including fluctuating water levels and the rehabilitation work on the docks of Halfa port, caused delays in the start of the trips.
He stressed that the resumption of navigation comes after a hiatus of about six years, explaining that the shipping line represents an important strategic axis in promoting regional trade and linking northern Sudan with southern Egypt, with the possibility of developing it to be a gateway to African markets.
For his part, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Nile Valley Authority confirmed that this trip represents a “real beginning” for the return of river transport in the coming period, announcing the imminent resumption of regular trips between the High Dam and Wadi Halfa via the operating company.
The representative of the Supreme Council of the people of Halfa also stressed that the resumption of the shipping line represents an important step to revive social communication and family ties between the two peoples, in addition to strengthening economic integration between the two countries.
