The Nile River has been a crucial lifeline for Egypt, historically shaping its trajectory and serving as the primary mode of transportation for ancient Egyptians. This study aims to elucidate the contemporary role of the river in facilitating goods transportation within Egypt. It thoroughly investigates Egypt's river transport network, analyzing its components, the significance of river transport in goods movement, and the dynamics of goods flow along the river. Employing meticulous data collection, rigorous processing, and comprehensive analysis, the study offers profound insights into the current state of river transport in Egypt.
The findings underscore a worrying trend of declining volume in goods transported by river, now representing less than 0.5% of Egypt's total goods transport. particularly pronounced in specific commodities, such as agricultural, industrial, and mining goods, where coal, food products, stones, grains, and clay dominate over 90% of river trade. Notably, the Port of Alexandria emerges as a crucial hub for both sourcing and distributing goods via river transport, with Ports of El-Metras and El-Nasr also playing significant roles.
In response to these findings, the study advocates for urgent development of river transport infrastructure. Recognizing its manifold direct and indirect benefits, the study stresses the necessity of enhancing this infrastructure and integrating it into a multifaceted transportation system. Such endeavors are essential to bolster the appeal of river transport for investment, thereby fostering economic growth and resilience in Egypt.