The Misrata Free Zone has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Egyptian company MAPSO Marine Propulsion, which specializes in marine technology and the supply of ship equipment and systems, to localize shipbuilding.
This took place on the sidelines of the 15th edition of the International Maritime Transport and Logistics Conference (MARLOG 15), which kicked off in Alexandria, Egypt, and runs until February 10.
According to a statement by the Free Zone, this step comes as part of its participation as a platinum sponsor of the conference, affirming its leading role in supporting maritime development and strengthening strategic partnerships, in a way that helps solidify its position as a regional hub for logistics services and maritime industries.
The memorandum covers broad areas of cooperation, most notably building fishing vessels as a first phase inside the Free Zone, followed by gradual expansion toward building and maintaining various marine units, including tugboats, boats, dredgers, and marine cranes.
The agreement also focuses on exchanging expertise and technical competencies, contributing to improved performance and developing the capabilities of workers in the Misrata Free Zone.
According to the statement, MAPSO, founded in 1976, is considered one of the leading companies in marine propulsion and the supply of marine components and systems for ships, with extensive experience in outfitting various types of vessels.
The memorandum is expected to support the Misrata Free Zone’s direction toward implementing its strategic project to establish an integrated center for building and maintaining ships and marine vessels inside the port, a project that represents one of the key pillars of its plan to localize maritime industries and enhance the competitiveness of national ports.
Misrata Free Zone
The Misrata Free Zone is a major industrial and commercial hub located in the Libyan city of Misrata, established in the early 2000s to stimulate economic growth through trade and investment. It functions as a special economic zone offering tax and customs incentives, and it became particularly vital for the national economy during and after the 2011 Libyan Civil War due to its strategic port and relative stability.
Egypt
Egypt is home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations, with a recorded history spanning over 5,000 years and famed for its pharaonic monuments like the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Its rich cultural legacy includes significant contributions to writing, architecture, and religion, later influenced by Greco-Roman, Coptic Christian, and Islamic periods following its conquests. Today, its ancient sites along the Nile River continue to be major archaeological and tourist destinations.
MAPSO Marine Propulsion
MAPSO Marine Propulsion is a specialized company focused on the design and supply of marine propulsion systems, such as azimuth thrusters. While not a historical cultural site, its history is rooted in the broader maritime engineering industry, contributing to advancements in ship maneuverability and efficiency for commercial and naval vessels.
International Maritime Transport and Logistics Conference
The International Maritime Transport and Logistics Conference is a major professional gathering for industry leaders, policymakers, and academics to discuss trends, challenges, and innovations in global shipping and supply chains. It typically serves as a key forum for networking and shaping the future of maritime commerce, with its history rooted in the ongoing evolution of international trade and containerization.
MARLOG 15
“Marlog 15” refers to the 15th Marine Logistics Group, a unit of the United States Marine Corps. It provides critical combat service support, including supply, maintenance, and transportation, to operational forces. The group’s history is part of the broader evolution of Marine Corps logistics to ensure mobility and sustainability in various global deployments.
Alexandria
Alexandria is a major port city on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE. It was renowned in antiquity for its legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria (one of the Seven Wonders) and its Great Library, serving as a major center of Hellenistic civilization and scholarship. The city’s history reflects a blend of Greek, Roman, and later Arab influences, remaining a vital cultural and economic hub into the modern era.
Libya
Libya is a North African country with a rich history rooted in ancient civilizations like the Phoenicians and Romans, followed by centuries of Arab and Ottoman influence. In the modern era, it was an Italian colony before gaining independence in 1951, later becoming known for Muammar Gaddafi’s lengthy rule from 1969 until the 2011 revolution. The country is home to UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the ancient Greek city of Cyrene and the Roman ruins of Leptis Magna.
Qatar
Qatar is a sovereign nation on the Arabian Peninsula, historically shaped by its Bedouin heritage and centuries of pearl diving and fishing. Its modern history is defined by the discovery of vast oil and natural gas reserves in the mid-20th century, which rapidly transformed it into a global economic and diplomatic hub. Notable cultural sites include the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha and the archaeological ruins at Al Zubarah, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Italy
Italy is a country in Southern Europe with a rich cultural history that dates back to the Roman Empire, which was one of the largest and most influential civilizations of antiquity. It later became the birthplace of the Renaissance, a period of immense artistic and scientific achievement centered in cities like Florence and Rome. Today, Italy is renowned for its profound contributions to art, architecture, cuisine, and fashion, and it is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
