Egypt’s Suez Canal aims for unprecedented boost in local maritime industry – chairman

Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority (SCA) is ramping up domestic shipbuilding to meet local maritime demand and expand export opportunities under the government’s Made in Egypt Initiative, Chairman Osama Rabie said on Thursday.

During a visit to the Suez Canal Company for Modern Boats in Safaga, in partnership with the Red Sea South Shipyard, Rabie reviewed progress on 10 Azm-class tugboats, each with a 90-ton towing capacity, and 12 high-seas fishing vessels.

Eight tugboats are currently under construction following the delivery of Azm 1 and Azm 2, with Azm 3 and Azm 4 scheduled for delivery by the end of the month. Hull construction for Azm 5 through Azm 8 is complete, and work is ongoing on Azm 9 and Azm 10.

Rabie also inspected the 12 high-seas fishing vessels, similar to the Rezek 1, with the first two scheduled for launch by the end of December. He reviewed the interior finishing of a new luxury yacht, the first product of the SCA’s yacht factory, along with two excursion boats and a river bus designed for marine and river tourism.

According to SCA statement, the construction of naval units—including tugboats, fishing vessels, and excursion boats—is progressing ahead of schedule, paving the way for additional projects. Preparations are underway for six new tugboats with 85–90 ton towing capacities, with construction planned for the second half of next year.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser