Issue 18

HOT SEAT: 

Interview with Prof. Alaa Morsy, Dean of Port Training Institute, AASTMT, and Prof. Akram Elselmy, Dean of College of Engineering & Technology, AASTMT

MARLOG-14 Ends with Expectations of An Early Return to Normality on the Red Sea 

• • The 14th Edition of MARLOG finished this week. Can you tell us the main finding/outcomes of the conference? 

MARLOG-14 titled, Artificial Intelligence Implementations, Towards Shaping the Future of the Digital World, is centered heavily on the integration and implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across various facets of the maritime and logistics sectors, with a strong focus on shaping the future of the digital world. Key outcomes highlight the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence within the maritime and logistics sectors. It emphasized the need for comprehensive AI integration across various operations, including predictive maintenance, security, and supply chain management. Key outcomes focused on leveraging AI to enhance operational efficiency through real-time decision-making and digital twin technologies. Furthermore, the conference advocated for AI-driven solutions to bolster security through threat detection and infrastructure monitoring, while also optimizing logistics through blockchain and IoT integration.

Beyond operational improvements, MARLOG14 stressed the importance of AI in driving sustainability and innovation. Recommendations included utilizing AI for intelligent port management, promoting autonomous maritime systems, and prioritizing ethical AI adoption. The conference recognized the necessity for workforce development through AI training and research collaboration, alongside the establishment of standardized regulatory frameworks to ensure scalable and safe AI implementation. Ultimately, MARLOG14 positioned AI as a crucial engine for efficiency, sustainability, security, and overall innovation within the maritime industry.

• • I guess you will start working on MARLOG 15 very soon. Do you have any idea in mind on the main topic of next year’s conference already?

Basically, MARLOG15, scheduled from 8th to 10th of February 2026, is about making shipping and moving goods around the world better and more eco-friendly. The conference will center on the development of sustainable logistics infrastructure as a key driver of global economic competitiveness. The conference will introduce the creation of efficient, environmentally sound, and economically viable logistics corridors, emphasizing “Green Blue Logistic Corridors” and zero-emission innovations. Discussions will cover the integration of advanced technologies like automation and digitalization, alongside the analysis of economic impacts from infrastructure investments and supply chain optimization. Furthermore, the conference will address critical aspects of resilience, risk management, and the promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship within the logistics sector.

Beyond technological and economic considerations, MARLOG15 will focus on enhancing global trade and connectivity through the analysis of trade trends, standardization of multimodal transport, and modernization of trade facilitation. Crucially, the conference will also prioritize workforce development, ensuring that the necessary skills and capacities are built to support the evolving logistics landscape. By bringing together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders, MARLOG15 aims to formulate strategies for building and maintaining robust, sustainable logistics corridors that foster economic growth and strengthen global interconnectedness.

• • The Port Training Institute that you chair is based in Alexandria, Egypt. Your country is now in the midst of a disrupted region. Do you expect container vessels to return to the Red Sea and Suez Canal soon? 

The return of ship traffic across the Red Sea and Suez Canal after the end of the crisis needs at least 4 to 6 months because shipping lines implement long-term advance shipping plans not only to transport goods but to achieve precise synchronization throughout the supply chain.

This trend is reinforced by the anticipated gradual return of navigation, starting Q2 2025, with expectations of reaching peak levels by year-end. It’s essential to reaffirm that economic cooperation and trade exchange are crucial drivers in mitigating geopolitical crises, particularly in the Middle East and the Suez Canal region, which offers vast investment and trade opportunities. Prioritizing economic interests over conflicts is vital, especially considering that over 20% of global trade passes through the Suez Canal, making international interest paramount.

Current indicators suggest a resumption of navigation through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. Several factors confirm a decline in geostrategic crises, including mega development projects in ports and logistics across Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, and Djibouti.

These projects aim to upgrade infrastructure for new-generation ships, create economic zones, and implement green initiatives. It’s unlikely that foreign investors would support these projects without expecting a stable and secure environment.

• • Diving into PTI’s work. Can you tell us which are the training courses currently most demanded in the industry? 

The most important programs most in need are those related to digital transformation, management and operation strategies, as well as many programs related to governance. Demand has recently increased for green economy programs and carbon border adjustment mechanism in addition to project management for mega infrastructure projects in ports and economic zones.

Port Training Institute’s training strategy focuses on meeting labor market needs while integrating international expertise and best practices. We aim to develop a strategy that aligns global standards with regional needs in the ports and logistics sector.