Egypt has inked an executive agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to obtain a $22 million grant, equivalent to about 1 billion Egyptian pounds, to finance the Suez Canal Authority’s first-ever Diving Support Vessel (DSV), in a move aimed at strengthening maritime safety and emergency response capabilities in the strategic waterway.
The vessel will perform multiple functions, including enhancing navigational safety, assisting ships with towing and manoeuvring, and supporting rapid-response operations during emergencies. The project is expected to contribute to the safe and sustainable operation of the Suez Canal, which facilitates around 12 percent of global trade.
According to the agreement, the DSV will be constructed in Japan and will measure 45 metres in length and 10 metres in width, with a draft of 4.5 metres. The vessel will have a total displacement of 620 tons and a maximum speed of 12 knots.
The DSV will be equipped with dual-fuel engines to reduce carbon emissions, pressure chambers to support professional diving operations, waste treatment systems, and living quarters accommodating up to 29 personnel. It will also comply with the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention standards and will be built under the supervision of the Japanese classification society Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NK).
Officials said the new vessel represents a significant addition to the Suez Canal Authority’s maritime fleet, enhancing its ability to respond swiftly to incidents and reinforcing Egypt’s commitment to maritime safety and environmental sustainability.
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