The Egypt-Italy Express service is going to be launched mid-October between Genoa and Salerno in Italy and Alexandria in Egypt. Following on from Marfret’s founder Claude Vidil who, in the 1950s, provided tramp services in the Eastern Mediterranean, Guillaume Vidil is renewing ties with the destination, this time by way of a regular service.
Being a shipowner implies being at the forefront of market changes and accompanying producers, manufacturers and distributors in determining their strategies in order to minimize shipping-related risk. “In these times of relocating, in which more and more economic stakeholders are diversifying their supply chains in search of local suppliers, we are launching a fast, direct and high-quality service between Italy and Egypt with a dedicated turnaround,” says Guillaume Vidil.
Mid-October, the 400-TEU Lydia will set sail from Genoa and Salerno for its maiden voyage to the terminal at Alexandria’s Old Port. At destination, Marfret will be using the services of Pan Marine, a ships’ agent present in Egypt’s main ports.
A turnaround centred on three ports
“We have a strong interest in the Italian and Central European markets via Italy. Trade between Italy and Egypt, as with our other north-south lines, is balanced, with dry goods on the journey out and reefer traffic, mainly fruits, coming out of Egypt,” explains Guillaume Vidil, reminding that Marfret has been present in Italy for 32 years through its AEM agency
To ensure the best launch possible, Marfret has positioned 200 new reefer containers at Genoa. “Italy is Egypt’s second biggest trading partner in Europe. Economic cooperation between the two countries covers a wide range of sectors,” points out Amal Louis, director of the Maghreb service and Intra-Europe and Mediterranean Short Sea Lines development manager.
Clients have been urging for this line to start, with traffic ready to flow. If the expected volumes materialize, Marfret may open up new destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean.