Suez Canal Authority starts electric river bus project as shipbuilding drive expands
Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has begun construction of a 60-passenger electric river bus as part of a broader push to localise maritime manufacturing and modernise the country’s transport fleet.
The vessel, being built for Cairo Governorate at a Red Sea shipyard in cooperation with SCA-linked facilities, reflects government efforts under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to expand domestic shipbuilding and upgrade river transport, according to the authority.
Designed locally at the Red Sea Shipyard and supervised by Italian classification society RINA, the 19-metre vessel is 5.5 metres wide and powered by a 75-kilowatt electric propulsion system. Steel cutting and shaping have been completed, with hull assembly now underway.
SCA Chairman Osama Rabie reviewed progress on the project during an inspection tour of the Red Sea Shipyard, where he also examined a series of ongoing shipbuilding programmes.
These include six Azm-class tugboats with 90-ton bollard pull being built for the authority, following the delivery of four vessels under an earlier contract. The yard is also constructing three additional tugboats of the same class for export.
Rabie also reviewed progress on a 12-vessel series of deep-sea fishing boats under the Rizq class, built using international technology. Hull construction has been completed for four vessels, while two have reached the mechanical installation stage. Work continues on a fifth vessel, with specifications aligned with the Rizq 1 vessel currently operating in Australia.
In parallel, the authority is expanding production of fiberglass vessels through a joint venture with the Red Sea Shipyard. Three tourism boats have completed hull construction, with outfitting works underway, including installation of navigation systems, engines, and exterior finishing.
During the visit, Rabie inspected infrastructure upgrades at the shipyard, including a newly completed three-storey administrative building with offices, meeting rooms, a conference hall, and a client reception area. He also called for accelerating the installation of two 50-ton cranes to boost production capacity.
He instructed officials to adhere to quality standards, delivery schedules, and occupational safety requirements, while stressing continued technical training for workers.
The authority said the projects reflect ongoing efforts to localise maritime manufacturing, meet domestic demand across canal and port operations, and expand into export markets.
It added that sustained government support and public-private cooperation have strengthened Egypt’s ability to produce more complex vessels, using modern technologies, reinforcing its position in regional shipbuilding.
Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English