In a ceremony of exceptional grandeur and historical significance, held against the iconic backdrop of the Suez Canal, Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly officially announced the commencement of operations for Antipollution Egypt. This initiative represents a historic milestone in the maritime industry’s journey toward adopting sustainable, innovative, and environmentally conscious practices—marking a new era in marine environmental management.

(The Prime Minister of Egypt, Dr. Mostafa Madbouly)

This high-profile event was not merely a local affair; it achieved international resonance and impact. It was broadcast live by Egypt’s National Television and covered by over 100 domestic and international media outlets, underscoring its global importance. The ceremony attracted the attention of the worldwide maritime community, institutional stakeholders, political leaders, and representatives of leading global organizations, all recognizing the strategic relevance of this development for both international shipping and global environmental policy.

The launch of Antipollution Egypt is not merely a technical or operational advancement. It serves as a catalyst for transforming the Suez Canal into the world’s first green canal, positioning Egypt and its strategic partners prominently on the global environmental stage. This initiative combines technological innovation, environmental accountability, and international collaboration.

Official Endorsements and Strategic Vision

The event was presided over by H.E. Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt, who hailed the partnership between the Suez Canal Authority and V Group of Companies as a strategic step toward building the world’s first green canal. “Today, we see the fruits of these efforts with the launch of this service, implemented with advanced and eco-friendly technology,” Dr. Madbouly stated. He further emphasized that the initiative represents Egypt’s invitation to global shipping and logistics leaders to participate in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) as a future hub for sustainable maritime services.

Distinguished attendees included H.E. Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment; H.E. Mr. Hassan El-Khatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade; H.E. Admiral Ossama Rabiee, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority; H.E. Ms. Angelina Eichhorst, Head of the European Union Delegation to Egypt; Mr. Guy Platten, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS); Mr. Thomas Kazakos, recently elected ICS Secretary General; H.E. Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to Egypt Mr. Nikolaos Papageorgiou; along with 22 EU country ambassadors and senior representatives from the global shipping sector—all underscoring the international weight of this milestone. Representing Antipollution Egypt were the company’s leadership and Greek-Egyptian shareholder Mr. Eric Adam.

Green Canal 2030: Strategic Environmental Commitment

Admiral Ossama Rabiee presented the long-term environmental strategy of the Suez Canal Authority, known as “Green Canal 2030.” The launch of Antipollution Egypt was described as a cornerstone of this strategy, embedding sustainability and innovation into the daily operations of one of the world’s most critical shipping corridors.

(The Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, Admiral Osama Rabie)

Mr. Guy Platten commended the Suez Canal Authority for its unwavering commitment to promoting sustainability in global maritime operations. He highlighted its proactive measures and the positive example it sets for environmental responsibility on one of the most crucial global trade routes. Platten noted that such leadership facilitates the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable shipping future while fostering impactful partnerships to accelerate innovation and environmental progress.

(Ms. Erietta Kourkoulou Latsi with the Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, Admiral Osama Rabie)

Emotional Address by Vyron Vasileiadis

Taking the podium, Vyron Vasileiadis delivered a deeply emotional speech, emphasizing the depth of commitment behind the initiative. “With great emotion and a strong sense of duty, I stand here today. Our commitment is clear: to support the sustainable future of the Suez Canal, to offer advanced services with net-zero emissions, and to ensure that the Suez Canal becomes the world’s first green canal,” he stated. He added that Antipollution Egypt is the first of several V Group investments to follow in Egypt and the broader region.

(Vyron Vasileiadis during his speech)

Vyron Vasileiadis attended the ceremony accompanied by his wife, Ms. Erietta Kourkoulou Latsi, whose presence evoked collective memories of one of the most iconic chapters in the Suez Canal’s modern history and Greek-Egyptian friendship.

Legacy and Continuity

Exactly 50 years ago, at this very site, the late John S. Latsis—a legendary Greek shipowner and philanthropist with a profound sense of duty to humanity and history—undertook a symbolic act: at his own expense, he deployed an entire fleet of dredgers to clean and restore the canal, crucially contributing to its reopening after a prolonged shutdown caused by regional conflict. His gesture was not merely technical or financial; it was one of deep solidarity, international responsibility, and friendship between two nations with historic ties.

(The Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping, Guy Platten, during his speech)

The symbolism of the ceremony and the presence of Ms. Latsi highlighted the enduring legacy of Greek-Egyptian cooperation in a new context: environmental protection and the green transformation of shipping. History reconnects with the present, and the cycle of contribution, innovation, and mutual respect continues—this time through Antipollution Egypt, an initiative aspiring to become a benchmark for sustainable shipping in the 21st century.

(Vyron Vasileiadis as the only representative of the business sector in the group photo of the event)

Launch Details and Compliance

Antipollution Egypt will commence operations on May 14, 2025, in accordance with the official circular of the Suez Canal Authority. As the exclusive provider of ship waste collection and management services along the full length of the canal, the company introduces a new-generation fleet, cutting-edge technologies, and a net-zero emissions philosophy from day one. Its operations are fully aligned with International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines, MARPOL regulations, and the principles of the circular economy—maximizing resource utilization while minimizing environmental impact.
For further information, including the official launch date of services, please visit the official website of the Suez Canal Authority and consult the circular published on April 17, 2025.