Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawy conducted an inspection tour at Ain Sokhna's SUMED and Sonker ports to review infrastructure readiness for receiving additional Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs) as part of Egypt's summer energy preparedness plan. Joined by senior petroleum sector officials, Badawy assessed progress on critical projects supporting the import, regasification, and delivery of liquefied natural gas (LNG) into the national gas grid—an essential step in securing fuel for electricity generation during peak summer months. The minister began his visit at the marine berth in SUMED port, where the FSRU Hoegh Galleon is currently docked. He observed the vessel's ongoing operations, which include LNG unloading, regasification, and injection into the national grid. Badawy also inspected the newly completed second marine berth at SUMED, which has been under development since September of last year. Designed to host an additional regasification vessel, the berth is now 100% complete, with trial operations underway ahead of the FSRU's arrival. The project is considered a key component of Egypt's national strategy to enhance natural gas infrastructure. The tour continued at Sonker port, where the minister reviewed progress on laying horizontal pipelines that will connect a future regasification vessel to the national grid. He also examined the installation of a 36-inch, 17-kilometer gas import pipeline, which will serve as a vital conduit for the third FSRU expected to dock at the site. During the visit, Badawy received detailed briefings from Yasser Salah, Chairperson of GASCO, and Walid Lotfy, Chairperson of Petrojet. The two entities are collaborating on LNG infrastructure projects at both SUMED and Sonker ports. GASCO led the engineering and technical studies, sourced materials and equipment, and provided project management. Petrojet executed the construction, which includes two high-capacity marine and onshore pipelines, and the installation of two massive 16-inch-diameter loading arms—among the largest globally—to ensure efficient regasified gas handling. The SUMED project has been finalized and is fully operational in anticipation of the second FSRU's arrival. Meanwhile, construction continues at Sonker port to ready the infrastructure for the docking of a third regasification vessel. These developments are part of a broader national effort to reinforce Egypt's natural gas supply chain and ensure stable electricity production during the high-demand summer period.
