Egypt is considering the establishment of a marine- and logistics-services center at the Damietta port, according to the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Tarek El Molla, Egypt Oil & Gas reports.

The center would provide services to companies conducting natural gas exploration and production (E&P) activities in the Mediterranean Sea, El Molla said. He added that the port at Damietta has the potential of becoming an international port.

The minister’s comments were made to a visiting delegation from the Dutch port of Rotterdam. The delegation discussed the steps Rotterdam took to become a regional oil- and gas-trading hub.

The development of oil and gas infrastructure, El Molla noted, is critical to Egypt’s bid to become a regional energy hub.