Egyptian Ports: Key Supply Points for Israel During Gaza Conflict

The ongoing Gaza conflict has placed Egyptian ports at the center of a crucial logistics network supporting Israel’s supply chain. An open-source investigation by Arabi Post has revealed that Egyptian seaports have become essential transit points for goods, particularly cement, during the Gaza war, underscoring Egypt’s strategic role in the region.

Egyptian Ports as Strategic Hubs

The investigation tracked 19 ships over the past three months, using maritime data to monitor the movement of cargo between Israel and Egypt. The findings indicate that these ships, primarily carrying cement and general cargo, have been frequently traveling between Egyptian and Israeli ports. The key Egyptian ports involved in these operations include Port Said, al-Arish, Abu Qir, Alexandria, Dekheila, and Damietta. These ports’ proximity to Israel, especially to Ashdod and Haifa, makes them vital for efficient transportation of goods.

Impact on Shipping Costs and Trade Relations

The geographical closeness of these ports reduces shipping costs, which significantly impacts the prices of goods shipped by sea. The reduced costs have likely contributed to the substantial increase in trade between Egypt and Israel during the war. Egyptian exports to Israel between October 2023 and July 2024 amounted to $170.1 million, reflecting an increase from the previous year. Moreover, Egypt has tripled its imports from Israel during this period, with the highest trade values recorded in July 2024.

Ships and Trade Patterns

The investigation also provided detailed insights into the specific ships and their ownership, revealing that these vessels are owned by companies in various countries, including Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Greece, Singapore, Germany, and Cyprus. Among the most frequent ships traveling between Egyptian and Israeli ports are the cargo ship Lucy Bochard, owned by a German company, and the Egyptian ship Pan GG. These ships have shown a consistent pattern of travel between the two countries, further solidifying the role of Egyptian ports as critical supply points during the conflict.

Cement Transportation and Construction Projects

A significant portion of the cargo involves cement transportation, essential for construction projects in Israel. Six cement carriers were identified as primarily operating between Egyptian and Israeli ports during the Gaza war, with their activities intensifying compared to the previous years. These vessels primarily operate between the Egyptian ports of al-Arish, Abu Qir, and Alexandria, and the Israeli ports of Haifa and Ashdod. The presence of cement factories in al-Arish and Alexandria supports this heightened activity.