A regional Train-the-Trainer course on the effective implementation of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code commenced in Alexandria, Egypt, on 1 November 2026, running until 5 November.
The course is organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), in cooperation with Egypt’s Maritime Transport and Logistics Sector, Ministry of Transport.
The programme is held with the support and patronage of H.E. Lieutenant General Engineer Kamel El-Wazir, Minister of Transport of Egypt, reflecting the Egyptian Government’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the IMO and supporting regional capacity-building initiatives in maritime transport.
The opening session was attended by Rear Admiral Sherif Zakaria, Deputy Head of the Maritime Transport and Logistics Sector, representing the Sector’s Head, Rear Admiral Hussein El-Geziry; Mr Ivaylo Valev, Head of the Eastern Europe, Middle East and North Africa Section, IMO Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division; Mr Refaat Armanyous, IMO Regional Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa; Dr Mostafa Rashid, Assistant President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport for Arab Affairs; and other senior maritime officials and IMO experts.
The course aims to strengthen the technical and institutional capacities of maritime administrations, port authorities and other stakeholders involved in the handling and transport of dangerous goods by sea.
It focuses on the key requirements of the IMDG Code, including the classification, packaging, marking, labelling, documentation and safe handling of dangerous goods.
The programme adopts a Train-the-Trainer approach, equipping participants with the knowledge and practical skills required to deliver further training within their respective national institutions.
This approach is designed to promote sustainable knowledge transfer, strengthen institutional capabilities and support more consistent implementation of international maritime safety standards across participating countries.
The five-day programme combines specialized technical sessions, practical exercises and field visits to Alexandria Port, allowing participants to examine operational procedures for receiving, handling and transporting dangerous goods and to relate the requirements of the IMDG Code to real port operations.
The initiative reflects the importance of cooperation between the IMO and Egypt in advancing technical cooperation and capacity development across the Middle East and North Africa.
It also reinforces Alexandria’s role as a regional hub for maritime expertise, professional training and the exchange of knowledge.
Through this programme, the IMO and its Egyptian partners seek to strengthen the effective implementation of the IMDG Code, enhance the safety of ships and ports, protect the marine environment and contribute to the safe and efficient movement of international maritime trade.
