Shipping Arabia, October 1, 2026 – The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has advanced its marine vessel manufacturing program with the launch of two new 90-ton bollard pull Azm-class tugboats, the delivery of two Bahr excursion boats and final operational trials for two export tugboats at the South Red Sea Shipyard Company in Safaga.
SCA Chairman Admiral Osama Rabie witnessed the activities during a visit to the shipyard accompanied by Red Sea Governor Dr. Walid El-Barqy. They were received by South Red Sea Shipyard Company Chairman Mostafa El-Dougishy, alongside company executives and employees from different sectors.
The program included the launch of two new Azm-class tugboats, the delivery of Bahr 1 and Bahr 2, and final operational trials for two additional Azm-class export tugboats ahead of their planned delivery to Italian company NERI.
Two More Azm-Class Tugboats Launched
The two newly launched Azm tugboats are the fifth and sixth vessels of the class built by the Egypt Tugboat Factory.
Each tug measures 32 meters in length and 13.5 meters in beam, with a draft of 6 meters. The vessels can reach a speed of 12 knots and provide 90 tons of bollard pull.
The SCA also conducted final operational trials for two Azm-class tugboats built for export. The trials are taking place ahead of their delivery to NERI in Italy.
The export vessels form part of the authority’s wider effort to expand Egyptian marine vessel manufacturing beyond domestic requirements and increase access to international markets.
Bahr 1 and Bahr 2 Join Suez Canal Tourism Fleet
During the visit, the SCA took delivery of Bahr 1 and Bahr 2, the first two excursion boats of the new Bahr class produced by the Suez Canal Company for Modern Boats.
The vessels were manufactured at the company’s fiberglass factory using wood and fiberglass. Each boat has capacity for 15 passengers, measures 17 meters in length and 5 meters in beam, and can reach a speed of 21 knots.
The two boats are scheduled to operate in marine tourism activities in the Suez Canal.
The Bahr class represents another product line within the SCA’s marine vessel manufacturing activities, alongside tugboat construction and other specialized vessels.
New 50,000-Square-Meter Industrial Zone
Rabie, El-Barqy and El-Dougishy also inaugurated a new administrative building at the shipyard covering 1,110 square meters.
The facility includes administrative offices, a conference hall, a meeting room, a dining hall and reception rooms.
Rabie then inspected construction work on a new industrial free zone for the Suez Canal Company for Modern Boats. The zone is being developed over an area of approximately 50,000 square meters.
Plans call for three factories, a covered storage yard, an open storage yard, an administrative building, residential facilities and a mosque.
Rabie said the SCA aims to expand the localization of marine vessel manufacturing through integrated industrial communities capable of meeting the requirements of the Suez Canal and Egyptian ports while also creating new opportunities for exports.
He said the partnership with the South Red Sea Shipyard Company, through the Suez Canal Company for Modern Boats and the free zone, provides a platform for expanding into international markets under the “Made in Egypt” banner.
SCA Targets Higher Production and Regional Competitiveness
Rabie said the Suez Canal Company for Modern Boats represents a model for integration and partnership with the private sector.
According to the chairman, the partnership is intended to increase operational capacity and raise production and manufacturing rates. He said these efforts support the objective of strengthening Egypt’s position in marine manufacturing and enhancing its competitiveness at the regional level.
Red Sea Governor Dr. Walid El-Barqy praised the SCA’s efforts to localize marine vessel manufacturing in Egypt and strengthen national industrial capabilities in the sector.
He also highlighted the potential of Safaga, saying that greater use of the city’s available capabilities could strengthen its position as a center for marine industries and services.
South Red Sea Shipyard Expands Infrastructure
South Red Sea Shipyard Company Chairman Mostafa El-Dougishy said the partnership with the Suez Canal Authority has brought a major transformation to the shipyard’s infrastructure.
The development program has included upgrades to the shipyard yard and improvements to a 500-meter marine quay. The shipyard has also been equipped with lifting equipment and cranes.
El-Dougishy said the company continues to execute its contracts and commitments simultaneously, enabling it to meet the scheduled delivery dates for different projects.
During the visit, Rabie also met an Omani delegation that toured the shipyard to learn about its activities in building different types of marine vessels.
According to the source, the delegation expressed positive views about the development of Egyptian industry and its growing regional competitiveness. Its members also indicated their intention to relay a positive assessment to the management of the Omani company they represented and continue discussions and engagement during the coming period.
At the end of the visit, Rabie addressed employees across the company’s various sectors. He urged them to maintain occupational safety and health standards while ensuring quality and precision in project execution.
The activities in Safaga form part of the SCA’s broader marine vessel manufacturing program, combining new tugboat construction, passenger craft production, export projects and expansion of industrial infrastructure to increase local production capacity.
Source: Suez Canal Authority
