Egypt-Sudan river transport to resume after six-year halt

January 21, 2026 (WADI HALFA) – River transport between Egypt and Sudan will resume after a six-year halt, the joint Nile Valley River Transport Authority (NVRTA) said on Wednesday.

The authority operates services between Aswan, Egypt, and Wadi Halfa, northern Sudan. Navigation was suspended in 2019 due to technical issues and rising costs, with restart attempts later stalled by Sudan’s conflict that began in April 2023.

NVRTA General Manager Mohamed Adam Mohamed Abkar said technical, logistical and security arrangements were nearly complete, according to a statement from Sudan’s transport ministry.

He said river transport would act as a vital link between the peoples of both countries and facilitate trade and movement.

Abkar made the announcement during a visit to the Wadi Halfa river port alongside a delegation of the Egyptian transport ministry and consular staff.

Quay construction at the port is 75% complete, he said, adding that the port was ready for regular operations.

The vessel Sinai will soon enter service to support the voluntary return of citizens, Abkar said.

An inauguration ceremony is expected within two months, with officials from both governments present.

The move follows direct instruction from both countries’ transport ministries, Abkar said. Ministers from both sides will meet soon to address remaining obstacles, including visa issues.

More than 1.5 million Sudanese have entered Egypt since the conflict began in April 2023, joining about 3 million already there.

The Sudanese consulate in Aswan said 410,000 Sudanese have returned from Egypt, with many registering for voluntary return programs.