Supporting localised shipbuilding in Egypt

Two more tugboats launched

EGYPT: Two locally-built tugboats joined the Suez Canal Authority’s (SCA) fleet as part of the Egypt’s commitment to localise the maritime industry and promote shipbuilding within the South Red Sea Shipyard facilities.

These two vessels come just a few months after the first of ten newbuilds were launched in April this year by Misr Tugboats Factory. The two new tugs are each 32m in length and feature a 13,5m beam and 6m draft. Reaching maximum speeds of 12 knots they have a 90-ton bollard-pull capacity.

The launch ceremony for AZM 3 and AZM 4 was attended by a number of SCA Board Members as well as the shipyard's leadership and personnel.

Speaking at the ceremony, Adm Ossama Rabiee, Chairman and Managing Director of the SCA noted that the launch represented a new chapter in the localisation of ship building in Egypt that would also provide opportunities to pursue international markets.

Rabiee added that the building of the ten new tugs for SCA was being undertaken in tandem with the production of 12 new high-seas fishing vessels – two of which will be launched by the end of the year.

According to him, the shipyard has already received enquiries from foreign buyers for potential future builds. “This reflects the success of marketing efforts in promoting the localisation of maritime industries under the slogan Made in Egypt,” he said noting the emphasis on quality and competitive pricing.

Highlighting their commitment to meeting the build schedule, Mostafa El-Dougishy, Chairman of the South Red Sea Shipyard, stressed that Misr Tugboats Factory had hired additional personnel as well as invested in equipment and infrastructure to meet the demands of the project which will see a further two tugs launched by the end of the year.

El-Dougishy also commented on the current expansion in the yard which includes the construction of a quay wall and increase in the building yard. In addition, construction work on a new three-floor administrative building, a paint factory and a 6,000 m² flat storage area have been finalised.

Following the launching ceremony, Rabiee inspected the ongoing progress being made in the building of the fishing vessels. Three of the metal hulls are already complete with the fourth currently under construction.

The ceremony also provided an opportunity to tour the Egypt Yacht factory, which is a partnership between the Suez Canal Authority and South Red Sea Shipyard.

PHOTO: Ceremony to launch the two new tugboats for the Suez Canal Authority. (SOURCE: Suez Canal Authority)