Columbia Group, a global leader in integrated maritime services, and its long-time partner, Pan Marine Shipping Services, one of Egypt’s largest maritime solutions providers, have joined forces to launch a new joint venture, Columbia Pan Marine Ship Management Egypt. The new entity will represent the Group in Egypt and will offer the complete range of services from Columbia Ship management and the broader Columbia Group.
The partnership is a major step in Columbia Group’s expansion into key maritime regions. It reinforces its dedication to the growth of the Egyptian naval industry, Columbia Group said in a statement.
“We are delighted to formalize our partnership in Egypt with Pan Marine. Egypt has always been a country of immense maritime and energy importance, and this new venture allows us to work more closely with local talent and institutions, delivering world-class crew management, training, technical services and energy solutions,”,” Philippos Ioulianou, Columbia Group Director of Energy and Renewables, said.
Marwan El Shazly, Vice President, Marketing and Contracts of Pan Marine Group said his company is excited to take its partnership with Columbia Group to the next level.
“This joint venture is not only a recognition of Egypt’s seafaring strength but a real opportunity to build sustainable careers for Egyptian maritime professionals and to raise the bar for maritime services within the region,” El Shazly pointed out.
Since they kicked off their active collaboration in 2023, Pan Marine and Columbia have achieved significant results across several key areas. They have enhanced crew management and training by introducing customized programs for Egyptian seafarers, ensuring compliance with international regulations and the highest operational standards.
The partnership has also launched targeted educational initiatives to inform young Egyptians about career opportunities in the maritime industry, focusing on skill-building, safety, and operational excellence. Additionally, they’ve initiated joint recruitment campaigns to attract top maritime talent by combining local outreach with digital platforms, leveraging Pan Marine’s local expertise. In line with global sustainability goals, the collaboration has introduced training modules focused on emission control and environmental compliance, including the IMO 2020 sulphur cap regulations and energy efficiency measures.
Moreover, the partnership has advanced ship management systems by adopting cutting-edge technologies like integrated fleet management platforms, predictive maintenance tools, and real-time performance monitoring systems, which improve efficiency and contribute to safer, more sustainable maritime operations.
Columbia Group relies on digitalisation to improve decision-making, increase fuel efficiency, and streamline compliance across its fleet. By integrating smart technologies and data analytics into daily operations, the group is establishing a new standard for technology-driven maritime services, noted the statement.
The new joint venture reinforces Egypt’s position as a crucial link between Europe, Africa, and Asia; not just for shipping, but also as a hub for developing new energy solutions and technologies, it added.
