Captain Maged Hassabou is a Maritime Security Expert and Lecturer at the Regional Maritime Security Institute (RMSI) with over 40 years of experience in maritime operations, security, and training. A former officer in the Egyptian Naval Forces and a certified Master Mariner, he has played a key role in conducting port and ship security assessments, developing security plans, and delivering IMO-validated maritime security courses for international participants. His international contributions include supporting the implementation of the Djibouti Code of Conduct against piracy and representing the League of Arab States at the International Maritime Organization’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), reflecting his extensive expertise in maritime security, capacity building, and international cooperation.
Dr. Capt. Ahmed Mohy Ibrahim is the Head of the Maritime Educational Consultancy Department and Quality Assurance Unit at the Regional Maritime Security Institute (RMSI), Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT), Egypt, and a Maritime Security Consultant specializing in maritime security governance, risk assessment, management, and regulatory compliance.
His research focuses on maritime security risk assessment for autonomous vessels and remote control centers, with broader interests in cyber resilience, smart ports, artificial intelligence applications in maritime risk management, and sustainable blue economy governance. Dr. Capt. Ahmed has extensive experience in maritime operations, security auditing, training, and consultancy, and has been delegated as an International Maritime Organization (IMO) Maritime Auditor while contributing technical expertise to the Egyptian Maritime Safety Authority. He has authored and reviewed numerous publications in internationally indexed journals, actively participates in IMO committees, and contributes to the advancement of international maritime security policies, professional training, and industry best practices
Dr. Nevine N. Nakhla is a leading voice in African trade integration, empowering growth, driving change, and connecting Africa to the world through her company, El Gondy Trading — Egypt’s AfCFTA-certified trading company. Under her leadership, El Gondy Trading facilitates and aggregates intra-African trade, with a strong focus on MSME empowerment, international market entry, and supply chain optimization.
With over 20 years of experience in import, export, and distribution, Dr. Nakhla combines academic expertise in strategic management and marketing with entrepreneurial practice. Her doctoral research, “The Impact of Entrepreneurs’ Marketing Capabilities on Their International Performance”, reflects her commitment to bridging theory and practice. Professionally, she founded El Gondy Trading in 2016, launching international brands in Egypt and exporting diversified goods across industries. Today, the company serves as a catalyst for improved trade under the AfCFTA, advancing the vision of seamless intra-African commerce.
Beyond her corporate role, Dr. Nakhla is a freelance professor of Strategic Management, Marketing, and Design Thinking at the Arab Academy for Science and Technology and BUC. She actively trains entrepreneurs and youth through leading institutions, including the Ministry of Communication and Technology, the American University in Cairo’s Center for Entrepreneurship, and other international organizations. A sought-after public speaker, she has contributed to numerous research projects and is a certified mentor to entrepreneurs.
Her commitment to community service is equally notable. Dr. Nakhla serves on the Board of Directors of the Egyptian Federation for Mental Development of Youth, chairs the Disaster Relief Committee at Rotary Egypt, and collaborates with Egyptian and international NGOs. She is also a member of the Egyptian Businessmen Association, while El Gondy Trading maintains ISO certification, is listed on the Functional Food Authority’s whitelist, and is a member of the Food Export Council.
Dr. Chéhab Mahmoud Salah Eldin Ali Elbelehy is an Assistant Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport in Egypt. He established a rigorous foundation in global supply chain dynamics through extensive international education. He earned a Master of Science in Logistics from Molde University College in Norway, where he specialized in transportation, supply chain management and reverse logistics. Subsequently, he completed a Doctorate of Philosophy in Business Administration at the University of Minho in Portugal, focusing on advanced quantitative methods and operations management. In addition to his formal academic degrees, he has obtained professional certifications from prominent international organizations. These include specialized capacity-building and mentorship credentials from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the Wadhwani Foundation, the Global Entrepreneurship Network Indonesia, the International Federationof Freight Forwarders Associations.
In his scholarly capacity, Dr. Elbelehy concentrates on supply chain risk management, quantitative modeling, and structural sustainability across global markets. His research contributions appear in peer-reviewed journals, including Business and Society Review, Hospitality and Tourism Insights, and the Management Decision. Notably, his empirical investigation into social sustainability within regional supply chain networks received recognition as a top-cited article by Wiley. He actively serves on international journal editorial boards and performs regular peer reviews for academic publications in operations management. Furthermore, he has extensive experience managing international projects, collaborating as a team member on Erasmus+ initiatives such as the Smart Organic Farming Technology and Lead-MENA project networks, as well as contributing advanced policy analysis to research conducted in association with the World Health Organization and the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Dr. Sohaila Hassan Elgazar is a Lecturer in the Department of Transport Logistics Management at the College of International Transport and Logistics, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT), Egypt. She also serves as the Coordinator of Professional Certificate and Diploma Programs, overseeing internationally recognized professional education and capacity-building initiatives in the fields of transport, logistics, and supply chain management.
Dr. Elgazar holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Transport Management from the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, a Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management from the Arab Institute for Trade and Commodity Exchange, and a PhD in Transport and Logistics Management from the University of Huddersfield, United Kingdom. She also earned the FIATA Diploma in Freight Forwarding, reflecting her commitment to academic excellence and professional development in the transport and logistics sector.
She has extensive experience in teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate programs, delivering a wide range of courses, including Air Transport Management, Freight Forwarding Management, Liner Shipping Management, Multimodal Transport Management, Road Transport, Import and Export Management, Transport Operations Management, Transport Safety and Security, as well as several other transport- and logistics-related subjects.
In addition to her academic career, Dr. Elgazar has contributed to several international and European Union-funded projects, where she has supported project implementation, provided technical expertise, engaged with key stakeholders, developed curricula and training programs, and delivered capacity building activities in the areas of transport, logistics, sustainable mobility, and supply chain development.
Her research interests focus on road freight transport, transport and logistics management, supply chain resilience, sustainable logistics, digital transformation in the transport sector, smart mobility, logistics education and training, and professional capacity building. She has authored and co-authored several peer reviewed publications in international journals and conference proceedings.
Dr. Elgazar has also presented numerous research papers and delivered presentations at international conferences, forums, workshops, and professional events, contributing to knowledge exchange and fostering collaboration between academia, government institutions, and the private sector.
Prof. Alaa Morsy is an academic and maritime expert; He is currently serving as the Dean of Port Training Institute, and Maritime Research and Consultation Center at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT).
Prof. Morsy’s expertise is recognized internationally, as evidenced by his roles as an external peer reviewer, member of technical committees, and active participation in organizations such as the Mediterranean Ports Association (MedPorts Association) and Arab Sea Ports Federation, where he serves as the Chair of the Training and International Partnerships Committee, as well as the Port Logistics International Knowledge Academy (PLIKA) where he holds the position of vice president. He has also been elected as the Chairman for Global Shipping Think Tank Alliance, commencing in 2025, signifying his dedication to the maritime industry.
He received an honorary professor award from Qingdao Harbor Vocational Technical College- China.
With a Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from Alexandria University, Prof. Morsy has made significant contributions to the fields of training development and structural engineering. He has authored over 50 publications and developed numerous training programs for civil engineers, focusing on repair, strengthening, and concrete durability.
Prof. Morsy previously held leadership positions within AASTMT, including: Head of the Construction and Building Department - College of Engineering and Technology, Education and Training Manager, and Head of Research & Development Department – Port Training Institute.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Prof. Morsy has applied his knowledge to real world projects, serving as a consultant for various government agencies and port authorities such as: Alexandria, Alexandria Port Authority, and Damietta Port Authority. He previously served on the board of the Arab Academy Housing and Building Association.
Dr. Sotirios Theofanis is an internationally acknowledged expert with extensive experience in administrative, high-level managerial, consulting, and academic activities, in the fields of port planning, management, and operations, as well as in freight, intermodal, and maritime transport and logistics. He has a unique blend of a high-level managerial and academic (both research and teaching) career path.
Dr. Theofanis has been Professor of Practice and Programme Lead, MSc in Shipping, Port Management and Logistics, CITY College, University of York Europe Campus, Thessaloniki, Greece & Professorial Fellow, South East European Research Center (SEERC). He is Non-Resident Affiliated Faculty and Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Advanced Infrastructure & Transportation (CAIT), Rutgers University, NJ, USA. Adjunct Professor, MSc in Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. He is Managing Partner MARLOGMIND PC, a Company specializing in Port & Maritime Logistics. He is also non- executive VP of M-Shipping a Logistics Service Provider Company, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Past positions include those of Expert and Director for Ports, Ministry of Merchant Marine, Greece (1985-1999); CEO, Thessaloniki Port Authority SA (ThPA SA), Greece (1999-2002); Chairman of the BoD and CEO, Piraeus Port Authority SA, Greece (2002 – 2004); Director for Strategic Planning & Co- Director, Freight and Maritime Program (FMP) CAIT, & Visiting Professor, Rutgers University, NJ, USA (2005 - 2012); Lead & Coordinator, South East Gateway Thessaloniki (SEGT) Consortium, Greece (2013 – 2017); Chairman of the BoD and CEO, Thessaloniki Port Authority SA (ThPA SA), Greece (2018 - 2020); President, EXANTAS National Port Training, Greece (2018 – 2021); and Member, Board of Governors, University of Macedonia, Greece (2023-2026). He has worked in an advisory capacity in the fields of Port Development and Logistics in nineteen (19) countries worldwide.
Founding Member and past Member of the Executive Committee, European Seaports Organization (ESPO). Author and co-author of over one hundred twenty scientific journal articles, he serves on various scientific committees. Visiting Professor / Scholar in many Academic Institutions worldwide.
In April 2019, he was selected as Port Professional of the month in Europe by the European Seaports Organisation (ESPO).
In March 2022, he was accorded the title of Honorary Professor of the University of York Management School, UK.
In February 2025, he was included in the list of the top 50 academics in Shipping and Port Management worldwide according to the FWCI (Field Weighted Citation Impact) Index.
He holds Degree in Civil Engineering (MEng) (specialization in Port & Environmental Engineering), National Technical University of Athens, Greece; MSc in Environmental Engineering/Technology, University of Birmingham, UK; LL.M. in European & International Law (with specialization in PPPs and Port Concessions), Frederick University, Cyprus and HOU, Greece; and PhD in Maritime and Port Logistics, School of Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
Dr. Yasmine El Meladi holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Logistics from Molde University College, Norway. She earned a postgraduate diploma in International Transport and Logistics, offered jointly by the Arab Academy and the Norwegian Shipping Academy in Oslo, and a second postgraduate diploma in International Trade and Logistics from the BI Norwegian Business School and the Norwegian Shipping Academy. Additionally, she is certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD) and holds a Procurement certification from the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM).
Currently, Dr. El Meladi serves as the Head of the External Affairs and Research Unit within the African and Asian Affairs Sector and works as a Lecturer at the Institute of International Transport and Logistics at Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT). Her teaching portfolio includes maritime logistics, maritime economics, multimodal transport, and procurement management. Her primary research interests center on supply chain management, the sustainable blue economy, the competencies of Logistics Service Providers (LSPs), and the environmental impacts of ports. She actively participates in international seminars and technical workshops.
PhD Coastal hydrodynamics and sedimentation. University of Wales, UK. BSc (Hons) U.C. Swansea, UK
With an academic background in university lecturing and research, Chris is also qualified as a trainer and has delivered academic modules and industrial training courses on Environmental Management in all the maritime states of Europe, as well as in Colombia, Taiwan, Ivory Coast, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Egypt, India, Malaysia, and Kuwait. He was Director of Studies, Marine Geography in the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Cardiff University, UK until 2011.
His experience in the maritime sector includes applied research in close collaboration with the port sector and associated marine industries for over 40 years. He served for six years as visiting lecturer at the World Maritime University, Malmö. He is currently Senior Trainer for EcoSLC and Joint Science Coordinator for EcoPorts, and actively involved in research and conference programmes.
While at Cardiff University he was one of the original researchers who, along port sector colleagues, other academics, and his research students, was involved in the development of the EcoPorts tools and its associated International Quality Standard of Environmental Management System, EcoPorts PERS.
Major General Dr. Mohamed Samer Ph.D. and Bachelor of Laws, a Bachelor of Police Science, and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Crisis and Disaster Management. He is an expert in legal frameworks, governance, and crisis management, serving as a member of the Scientific Culture, Innovative Thinking, and Artificial Intelligence Committee at the Supreme Council of Culture and the Egyptian Compliance Society.
A distinguished lecturer at the Police Academy and its affiliated institutes, Dr. Sultan teaches and researches at the intersection of security, corporate governance, sustainability, and social responsibility. Beyond his academic instruction, he serves as an academic reviewer, dissertation defense committee member, and active driver of governance implementation across public and private sector organizations.
Prof. Balbaa is currently vice president of Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport for Maritime Affairs, linking with all African & Asian countries in all fields, education, training and consultancy, research and innovation; he practiced proffesionality from two prespectives; one is in the industry as he is X-Master Mariner and serviced in multinational shipping companies as well as ports and the other prespective is academic as he is a professor of environmental management issues in seaports.
Nationally, he is leading more than one team in identifying program opportunities, establishing a network with the fund partners nationally and internationally he is engaged in EU projects those aiming to share solving problems and finding future directions in maritime transportation, research, education.
He is Chairman of (Commercial Timber Company) One of the subsidiaries of the Holding Company for Maritime and Land Transport, also He is a board member in some maritime holding companies for more than 10 years and still. He is the founder of Africa and Middle East Regional Environmental Center AMEREC; he was the chair of projects in the College of Maritime Transport & Technology (AASTMT),also a Member of the International Advisory Board of European forum and oBsErvatory for OPEN science in transport.
He was a Consultant of King Abd AlAziez University for Maritime studies, Saudi Arabia, he also a Lead Editor of ISO 9000-2000 (SGS Certificate), JICA Alumni Permanent Member (Japan). Prof. Balbaa authored one book titled “ Managing Enviromental Sustainability in Seaports” available from Amazon.com and he published about 45 publications in Scientific International Journals, International Conferences, Some in Local Conferences, He is also a supervisor for MSc & PhDs. dissertations in Maritime Transport and Environmental Sectors in Egypt and Norway ,as well as Examiner of MSc & PhDs.
He is a member of establishing maritime vision of Egypt 2030, he is a visiting professor in some universities, and he holds B.Sc. in Nautical Technology (AASTMT), also he holds a Master Mariner F.G in Ship’s Operation in High Seas and unlimited (AASTMT), and M.Sc. in Maritime Transport and Technology “Maritime Safety and Fleet Operation” (AASTMT), he holds a Higher Diploma in Fleet Operation (AASTMT) and a PhD in Offshore Technology and Asset Management; Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Stavanger, Norway. Thesis Title “Managing Environmental Sustainability in Seaports: Towards an integrated method”, also holds a Master Class Certificate in Business Management and Leadership and Honorary Doctorate in Strategic Environmental Management from London Graduate School – Uk.
