Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's directives to localize the maritime industry have been furthered with the launch of three new tugboats and the beginning of construction on five more. The ceremony, attended by Admiral Osama Rabie, head of the Suez Canal Authority, took place at the Timsah Shipbuilding Company, a subsidiary of the Suez Canal Authority. The new tugboats are part of efforts to modernize Egypt's maritime capabilities.
The first tugboat launched, "Khidma 1," is destined for the Damietta Port Authority. It measures 18.6 meters in length, 6.9 meters in width, and has a draft of 2.2 meters at full load. The tugboat has a maximum speed of 10 knots and a towing force of 20 tons. Two additional tugboats, "Azizma 11" and "Ez El-Din Younes 2," were also launched, with dimensions of 18.6 meters by 6.9 meters and a draft of 2.2 meters.
The three tugboats have a towing force of 12 tons and a maximum speed of 11 knots. In addition to the launches, Admiral Rabie also attended the keel-laying ceremony for five new tugboats, which will be used by the Red Sea Ports Authority. The five tugboats include two with a towing force of 70 tons and three with a towing force of 20 tons. These launches are part of efforts to update Egypt's tugboat and pilotage systems.
Admiral Rabie also inspected repair and maintenance work carried out by the Timsah Shipbuilding Company on three tugboats belonging to the Damietta Port Authority: "Abu Jendia," "Abu Zeid," and "Hedaya." Each tugboat has a towing force of 60 tons. Additionally, maintenance and repair work was carried out on the "Misr Al-Mahrousa" tugboat, which has a towing force of 25 tons and belongs to the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
Admiral Osama Rabie emphasized that the Suez Canal Authority continues to develop the capabilities of its companies and shipyards. This development aims to increase the use of Egyptian capabilities and reduce reliance on imports. The Timsah Shipbuilding Company has become a major industrial player in the maritime industry and logistics services. Since 2019, the company has successfully built 42 maritime units.
The development of Egypt's maritime fleet is a strategic goal and a priority for the Suez Canal Authority. The Authority aims to continue developing the company's capabilities and enhancing its competitiveness in regional and international markets. On the sidelines of the ceremony, Admiral Rabie met with the heads of the Red Sea Ports Authority and the Damietta Port Authority to discuss future cooperation and the timeline for implementing projects.
The heads of the Red Sea Ports Authority and the Damietta Port Authority expressed their commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Timsah Shipbuilding Company to build more tugboats and marine units. They praised the company's efficiency, quality, and discipline in executing construction projects. The launch of these new tugboats marks a significant milestone in Egypt's efforts to modernize its maritime industry and enhance its capabilities.
Key points
- The Suez Canal Authority has launched three new tugboats and begun construction on five more as part of efforts to modernize Egypt's maritime industry.
- The new tugboats are being built to meet the increasing demands of the Suez Canal and Egyptian ports.
- The Timsah Shipbuilding Company has built 42 maritime units since 2019 and aims to continue developing its capabilities.
