Suez Canal Authority Unveils New Tugboats in Push to Localize Maritime Industry

Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, Osama Rabie, presided over the launch of a new fleet of domestically built marine units at El Temsah Shipbuilding Company, marking a significant step in Egypt’s drive to localize shipbuilding and enhance maritime capabilities.

The ceremony saw the inauguration of three tugboats under the “Azima” class, Azima 7, Azima 9, and Azima 10, alongside the first-of-its-kind “Team Azima 2,” a smaller support vessel designed for logistical and auxiliary operations. The initiative aligns with directives from President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to strengthen domestic industrial capacity in strategic sectors.

Rabie described the new additions as a “qualitative leap” for the authority’s fleet, noting that the vessels will improve the efficiency and range of maritime services across the canal. The Azima-class tugboats feature advanced technical specifications, including a bollard pull of 12 tons and enhanced maneuverability, while Azima 7 incorporates a unique design tailored for maritime rescue operations, equipped with diving systems and crew support facilities.

The smaller Team Azima 2 tug, developed with international design input and built under Italian classification supervision, is intended to bolster logistical support capabilities within the canal’s operational framework.

The launch reflects broader efforts by the Suez Canal Authority to transform its affiliated shipyards into competitive industrial hubs capable of serving both domestic and international markets. El Temsah Shipbuilding Company, a key subsidiary, has expanded its role in construction, maintenance, and repair of marine vessels.

In a related development, Rabie inspected the tugboat “Nagy 1,” owned by a Saudi firm, following the completion of comprehensive maintenance carried out by El Temsah in cooperation with Port Said Shipyard. The collaboration has led to a new agreement under which the Egyptian company will service the Saudi fleet on an ongoing basis.

Further underscoring its growing industrial footprint, El Temsah recently secured a contract to build and deliver seven tugboats for the Red Sea Ports Authority. The order includes four high-capacity units with a bollard pull of 70–75 tons and three additional vessels rated at 20 tons, aimed at modernizing towing and pilotage operations across Red Sea ports.

Rabie praised the workforce for maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency, urging continued productivity and adherence to energy conservation measures. He reiterated that the authority’s long-term strategy focuses on leveraging Egypt’s geographic advantage and technical expertise to position the country as a regional hub for shipbuilding and maritime services.