The roundtable titled “Fueling the Future – Green Hydrogen for Maritime and Aviation Fuels”) offered by the Egyptian German Green Hydrogen Partnership (GH2P), implemented by GIZ and supported by the German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Egypt), took place on Thursday, 14th May 2026.
The Roundtable explored the role of hydrogen and its derivatives in decarbonizing the maritime and aviation sectors, and for business opportunities between Egypt, Germany and the EU in these green fuels value chains.
The participants included high-level governmental authorities, as well as European and Egyptian maritime and aviation companies, port authorities and operators, industrial zones, and project developers discussed infrastructure needs, regulatory frameworks, and investment pathways to support sustainable transport fuels.
During his participation in the high-level roundtable, H.E. Dr. Sameh El-Hefny, Egyptian Minister of Civil Aviation, emphasized the commitment of Egypt to supporting global efforts to reduce carbon emissions; he explained the national strategy which focuses on decreasing the carbon footprint of the aviation sector through a gradual expansion in using sustainable aviation fuel. H.E. pointed out that the sector is taking advanced executive steps, and these steps include expanding solar energy use across various Egyptian airports. Furthermore, he noted Egypt possesses strong capabilities and an excellent geographical location to become a regional production hub for clean fuels.
H.E. Mr. Waleid Gamal El-Dien, Chairman of SCZONE, highlighted the severe impact of current global geopolitical challenges on energy supply chains. He argued the transition to green fuel is no longer a luxury but an absolute necessity. He affirmed that financial stakeholders and green fuel producers must reconsider their risk calculations because the risks of relying on conventional fossil fuels are much higher today. He also noted that the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) successfully attracted the first green fuel plant and the first sustainable aviation fuel production facility in the Middle East. He added that the first delivery of electronic sustainable aviation fuel to the aviation sector is expected in July 2027.
Brigadier Eng. Ahmed Osman, Vice Chairman for Planning & Investment, Damietta Port Authority, discussed the ongoing development of Egyptian ports to transform them into green ports powered by renewable energy. He detailed the Damietta Green Ammonia Project, which covers approximately 70,000 square meters; this strategic project targets the production of green ammonia for export and relies entirely on renewable energy sources. He explained that this initiative aligns with European Union environmental standards and contributes significantly to lowering the global carbon footprint.
During the roundtable, Dr. Miguel Haubrich Seco, The Head of Economic Attache at the German Embassy in Cairo, emphasized that hydrogen is a long-term strategic priority for Germany to achieve climate neutrality by 2045and also its role to strengthen cooperation in green fuel business and transport routes between Egypt, Germany and other EU partners. Furthermore, private sector participants, including Mr. Alexander Tolweth, General Manager, General Manager Egypt & North Africa, Lufthansa Group and Mr. Juerg Meier,CEO, Kuehne+Nagel, shared their perspectives; noting that major shipping and aviation companies are carefully evaluating alternative fuels. They explained that these options include power-to-liquid technology, ammonia, and methanol. They agreed that cost remains a critical factor in determining the widespread adoption of these alternative solutions.
The roundtable discussion concluded with identifying the main challenges facing the maritime and aviation sector in their process to decarbonize their fuels and the required next steps. The participants agreed that high production costs and early-stage infrastructure represent major barriers. Participating leaders from both the Egyptian, German and other international companies called for clear policies, investment incentives, and urgent implementation.
For more information, please contact may.khattab@ahk-mena.com
