Egypt to build 2 new KAMSARMAX vessels

Egypt’s National Navigation Company (NNC) and China’s leading shipbuilder, Hudong Shipyard signed a contract to build two new KAMSARMAX-class dry bulk carriers, the Ministry of Transport announced on Tuesday.

The move is part of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s directives to transform Egypt into a regional hub for transport, logistics, and transit trade, while revitalising the national commercial fleet as a cornerstone of the Egyptian economy.

Kamel El-Wazir, minister of transport and industry, noted that the new vessels, each with a deadweight of 82,000 tons, will be built to the latest international environmental standards.

They will feature hull designs optimised for fuel efficiency and will be powered by advanced MAN B&W engines with 7,490 kW capacity, equipped with emission-reducing systems.

Each ship will measure 229 metres in length, 32.26 metres in width, and have a draught of 14.5 metres. The vessels are expected to be delivered in September and November 2028, as stated in the release.

The latest contract brings the total number of new vessels added to the NNC’s fleet to six over the past three years, marking the renewal of approximately 54 per cent of its fleet, now comprising 18 ships. This aligns with Egypt’s broader maritime strategy to boost the national fleet’s capacity and global competitiveness.

El-Wazir further stated that the ministry aims to expand the commercial fleet of its affiliated companies—including NNC, Arab Bridge Maritime, Al Kahera Company for Ferries, and the Egyptian Tanker Company—to 36 vessels by 2030. The goal is to enhance Egypt’s capacity to transport strategic goods such as grains, petroleum, and passengers across international routes.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
Subediting: M. S. Salama