The maritime industry continues to face escalating geopolitical tensions and shifting global dynamics. These challenges have long cast a shadow over the sector, particularly in activities related to oil and gas.

However, Pan Marine Group, an independent 45 year old  Egyptian company that provides integrated shipping, logistics and petroleum services, is not only weathering the storms, but also setting a remarkable example of innovation and resilience.

In this exclusive interview, Marwan El Shazly, Vice President of Pan Marine, explores how the local maritime sector, especially in oil and gas services, is being reshaped by global challenges and the accelerating push for sustainable logistics.

El Shazly highlighted bold moves taken by the company, starting with it pioneering the country’s first Ro-Ro line to Europe,up to its  investing in digital transformation and green shipping.

What are the current challenges facing the maritime industry in Egypt, particularly in the oil and gas sector? How is Pan Marine navigating them?

The Egyptian maritime industry is facing many critical challenges due to various factors in the region, one of them being the disruption in the Red Sea crisis, which is heavily impacting the transportation in the Suez Canal. The attacks by Houthi militants in the Red Sea have forced numerous shipping companies to reroute vessels, no longer considering the Suez Canal as part of their regular trading route. This comes despite the fact that this diversion adds significant transit time and substantially increases freight costs. This is profoundly impacting Suez Canal revenues, which, to date, have dropped by over 60%.

However, with certain discussions taking place over the past month, we are anticipating a slight uptick in the number of vessels passing through the Suez Canal once again.

Beyond these immediate and pressing challenges of the Suez Canal, the Egyptian oil and gas sector is dealing with its own different set of dynamics. While there is a renewed government focus on attracting investment and accelerating production, a major concern is the current lack of offshore drilling activity. We expect a significant gap in offshore drilling campaigns for 2025-despite the availability of offshore vessels and rigs- due to the current market slowdown. Recovery is also expected in 2026 with several new offshore EPC/EPIC and drilling projects globally.

That said, the broader Egyptian maritime industry is increasingly emphasizing sustainable practices and green initiatives, with a push for widespread digital transformation to optimize operations.

At Pan Marine, we are always looking ahead. We believe that staying ahead means being ready for what is coming. That is why we continue to strengthen our offshore fleet of vessels, making sure we have the modern capabilities needed to support the upcoming drilling campaigns. Our vessels are ready to handle the logistics and specialized needs for exploration and production over the next couple of years. On top of that, we are keeping pace with industry trends, working smarter and greener by embracing digital tools and sustainable practices to make sure our operations are not just efficient but also environmentally responsible and forward-looking.

What are the core drivers of Pan Marine’s success and competitive advantage in the maritime services sector?

It is a combination of strategic assets, extensive operational experience, and a comprehensive service offering. This is all backed by decades of deep local expertise, a strong regional network, and strategic asset ownership.

For us, a core commitment at Pan Marine is to deliver a ‘one-stop service solution’. That is not merely a slogan; it is how we have built our business. Our extensive experience allows us to bring all services together under one roof. Whether it is full marine agency representation, global logistics services, or tailored offshore support services, we serve as a reliable, all-in-one partner at every stage. We also prioritize long-term relationships by providing 24/7 support and customized solutions to ensure maximum client satisfaction.

Can you provide an overview of the Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) line operations in Egypt and its significance in the transportation of goods, particularly in the oil and gas industry?

Our recently launched Ro-Ro line is a dedicated freight ferry service that marks a significant shift in Egypt’s maritime landscape. Unlike conventional services that primarily handle vehicles or wheeled cargo, high and heavy cargo, and containers, our Ro-Ro line is specifically designed for diverse cargo to meet the needs of freight transport, offering reliable, efficient, and high-capacity solutions. Combined with our operation of a dedicated Ro-Ro terminal in Damietta, this new service strengthens Egypt’s position as a strategic logistics hub, creating a vital corridor for trade between Egypt and Europe.

Furthermore, we are happy to note that as of last November, Pan Marine championed a historic move for Egypt’s maritime sector by partnering with the international shipping and logistics company DFDS to launch the first-ever Ro-Ro line that connects Egypt with Europe, linking Damietta with the Italian port of Trieste.

The service will transform the transportation of all types of goods, including critical or time-sensitive cargo, between Egypt and Europe via Trieste. With the capacity to accommodate up to 420 mega trailers weekly, for both inbound and outbound shipments, we can ensure the efficient and high-volume movement of cargo.

It is also crucial to highlight that our service extends to the very last mile. While sea transit is a key element, our service utilizes mega semi-trailers to offer comprehensive door-to-door solutions. Goods are loaded onto our semi-trailers from any Egyptian location and through our Damietta Ro-Ro terminal, driven directly onto the Ro-Ro vessel to Trieste, and then seamlessly continue their journey via inland transportation across Europe to their final destinations.

Pan Marine’s new Ro-Ro service is truly changing the game when it comes to how freight moves, especially for the oil and gas sector. It speeds up the delivery of essential equipment and machinery from Europe to Egypt and vice-versa. This minimizes costly delays and maximizes operational output for exploration and production. By eliminating extra steps and reducing risk, our door-to-door logistics solution offers a smarter, faster way to move petroleum materials, products and oversized equipment.

A big part of what truly drives this so efficiently is our well-established Ro-Ro terminal inside Damietta port with a dedicated 40,000 square meter storage yard. This expansive facility is fully equipped with modern fire suppression systems, generators, and advanced security access control systems, including controlled gates and CCTVs. Furthermore, it boasts all the necessary heavy equipment for handling shipments, such as forklifts, terminal tractors, Mafi trailers, and reach stackers.

Having that kind of setup provides a spacious and safe storage area to manage all types of cargo, especially critical for oil and gas operations. This is a significant step in supporting Egypt’s push to become a regional logistics hub, and Pan Marine is proud to be playing a leading role in that.

What are the key advantages of utilizing the Ro-Ro line for transporting goods in Egypt, especially in terms of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability?

When we talk about our Ro-Ro service, we are talking about a smarter way to move freight. It is much faster, cleaner, and more cost-effective.

Efficiency is driven by speed. To give you an idea of the difference we make, we deliver goods to Hamburg in just six days (including two days sea transit and four days inland transport), a complete shift to the 18-20 days typically required for traditional container shipping by sea. Our operational flexibility is further underscored by our diverse loading methods, including back, side, and top loading, which are ideally suited for the varied and often oversized products and materials of the oil and gas sector.

Another key advantage lies in our use of the 45-foot mega trailers, which offer even greater capacity than standard 40-foot containers. Two mega trailers can carry the load of three, maximizing efficiency with every shipment. Upon arrival in Trieste, these trailers seamlessly continue with our comprehensive inland transportation network, delivering cargo directly to cities across Europe.

From a cost perspective, fewer handling stages equal real savings in operational expenses, including up to 88% off port fees and 70% off road transit, making the financial benefits and value even more competitive.

And finally, when it comes to sustainability, our service is a huge step forward. We are committed to doing things the right way, so we are shifting freight from the road to the sea, and that immediately helps cut down on congestion and carbon emissions. What makes this even better is that we are using energy-efficient vessels and smart, coordinated inland logistics to really minimize our overall fuel consumption. It’s a forward-thinking choice, truly, reflecting our belief in building a lower-impact, greener trade route between Egypt and Europe.

How does the Ro-Ro line in Egypt contribute to the overall logistics and supply chain management for the oil and gas sector? What role does Pan Marine play in optimizing this process?

As logistics experts in the oil and gas sector, we fully understand that the project timeline is the backbone of any project’s success. That’s why our Ro-Ro service especially transforms logistics for the oil and gas sector in Egypt by enabling rapid, direct movement of heavy machinery and specialized cargo. This cuts down port times significantly, which is critical for minimizing operational downtime for such time-sensitive operations.

Pan Marine, as a key player in integrated logistics and shipping solutions for the Egyptian oil and gas sector for years, plays a crucial role in optimizing this process through its unique, integrated services, strategic and geographical locations.

Together, these capabilities allow us to provide a true end-to-end supply chain solution. We ensure swift, secure transport of vital drilling equipment and petroleum materials, which is especially important given the upcoming offshore drilling campaigns in 2025-2026. By streamlining this process, we help to boost operational agility and reduce costs, and build a stronger, more resilient oil and gas supply chain.

How does Pan Marine approach innovation and technology adoption within its operations to enhance efficiency, streamline processes, and meet the evolving needs of clients in the field?

We consider innovation and technology to be the core of how we operate, especially in terms of meeting the evolving needs of our oil and gas industry clients. We are continuously investing in advanced solutions across our logistics, shipping, and offshore operations to boost efficiency and streamline processes.

For example, our offshore vessels are equipped with advanced systems, including precise navigation, comprehensive weather forecasting, and smart fuel management systems. Importantly, they are diesel-electric driven and boast Dynamic Positioning (DP), which is essential for conducting safe and efficient operations, decreasing fuel consumption and carbon emissions, and monitoring the weather, along with fuel management systems. These technologies enhance operational intelligence, optimize performance, and significantly improve fuel efficiency, contributing to both cost-saving and sustainability goals.

Our digital transformation is not limited to our vessels; we are adopting digital transformation across our warehouses, yards and terminal operations by implementing real-time tracking, data analytics, and automation to optimize workflows and ensure clear communication. This gives us better visibility and control over the entire supply chain, allowing us to deliver highly efficient, secure, and responsive solutions that ensure clear communication and prompt responses to our clients’ needs.

How does Pan Marine prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility in its maritime operations, and what initiatives has the company undertaken to reduce its carbon footprint and promote eco-friendly practices?

At Pan Marine, sustainability is not just a goal, but rather a compass guiding us through everything that we do. We have implemented a range of initiatives across our maritime operations to reduce our carbon footprint and promote eco-friendly practices.

As part of this initiative, we have applied advanced silicone-based hull coatings to our vessels to enhance hydrodynamics and increase speed while significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Furthermore, we have optimized our engine performance. Our upgraded engine control systems now feature power limitation settings aligned with the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) standards, improving overall energy efficiency. Additionally, we have switched all deck lighting to LED, which cuts power consumption and maintenance needs.

On the other hand, we continue to strengthen our sustainability-focused operational practices ashore by encouraging our teams to adopt responsible energy habits, like turning off lights and devices when not in use. We are also focused on reducing waste, transitioning toward renewable energy, and optimizing our supply chain for minimal environmental impact.

In your opinion, what are the emerging opportunities and potential growth areas for the maritime sector in Egypt? How is Pan Marine positioning itself to capitalize on these prospects?

Egypt’s maritime sector is on the verge of exciting growth, fueled by several key opportunities. We are seeing strong momentum in areas like offshore oil and gas exploration and production, as well as major development of the Suez Canal Economic Zone; particularly in places like East Port Said Industrial Zone and Ain Sokhna. These new industrial and logistical areas are attracting a wave of foreign investments in manufacturing, green fuels, and supply chain infrastructure, which, in turn, creates real demand for integrated maritime and port services.

At the same time, there is a strong push from Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the Ministry of Transport towards digital transformation, especially smart ports and data driven logistics, thus opening the door to greater efficiency and transparency across the supply chain.

Pan Marine is actively positioning itself to support and capitalize on these developments. Our recently launched Ro-Ro is one great example. It meets a growing market need for fast, cost- effective and sustainable trade. With our strategic presence nationwide network, we are well-positioned to support the expanding needs of the market.

We are also investing in technology, partnerships, and service diversification to make sure we remain at the forefront as Egypt moves toward becoming a major logistics and trade hub.

Looking ahead, what is Pan Marine’s vision for the future of the company and its role in shaping the maritime industry in Egypt?

Pan Marine’s vision is to solidify our position as Egypt’s leading providers of integrated maritime services, and to expand the influence across the wider region. We want to be the go-to logistics partner for energy and maritime stakeholders, especially those in oil and gas, offshore projects, and heavy industries.

We aim to achieve this by continuously innovating the services we offer, exemplified by our Ro-Ro service, while strategically expanding operational reach and advancing strong collaborations. Over the next few years, our focus will be on developing digitalization across our operations, expanding our footprint to support Egypt’s growing role as a global trade hub, and continuing to invest in sustainable and green logistic solutions.

Pan Marine is also placing a strong emphasis on strengthening its human capital, continuously growing our team and enhancing skills to keep pace with the industry changes and evolving client expectations. Ultimately, our goal is to enable a modern and efficient maritime sector that is strongly positioned to support Egypt’s long-term economic ambitions.

How do you approach strategic decision-making at Pan Marine, considering both short-term needs and long-term goals?

In our company, strategic decision-making is all about finding the right balance between meeting today’s demands and building for tomorrow. We operate with a dual-horizon mindset in the short term. We are highly focused on optimizing our resources, responding quickly to challenges and maintaining compliance in a fast-evolving regulatory environment. This agility ensures efficient operations and sustains client confidence.

One thing is for sure: we never lose sight of the long game. Our long-term strategy is centered on innovation, sustainability, and regional and global expansion. We are actively investing in technology, developing our human capital, and aligning with Egypt’s national vision to become a global trade and logistics hub. What is more, our strategy is always grounded in creating tangible value for clients while positioning Pan Marine as a future-ready leader.

Finally, we do not just make decisions to navigate the present, but to lead and define the future of the maritime sector in Egypt, extending our impact across the broader region and globally.