Bridging the Gap: Modernizing Environmental Management Systems in Egyptian Seaports to Align with Global Maritime Transport Trends

Abstract: Innovation of Environmental Management Systems (EMS) at Egyptian seaports needs to be done in parallel with the international trends toward maritime sustainability and competitiveness due to stricter global policy within the industry. This research is based on implementing Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis and comparative case studies of leading ports (Rotterdam, Singapore, Los Angeles) to determine the key issues of Egypt’s Environmental Management System (EMS). The results indicate the presence of technological gaps (shifts from manual emissions reporting to AI monitoring and blockchain tracking), regulatory gaps (contradiction of the local legal frameworks with MARPOL Annex VI provisions), funding gaps (scope of green funding), and local gaps (non-uses of solar energy and addressing biodiversity conservation). The study outlines specific actions, including legislative changes for the adoption of carbon reduction strategies for 40% by 2030 and 70% by 2050, integration of shore power enabling facilities, and creation of supporting national port climate funds to invite foreign investment. The strategies seek to leverage Egypt’s geographical location next to the Suez Canal and solar energy with the aim of changing Egyptian seaports into pro-environmental centers. With regard to sustainability in maritime shipping, this study integrates models with real-world applications, providing a guide for decision-makers and port managers to meet international requirements while furthering Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the National Strategy for Green Ports 2030.