Within the framework of implementing the directives of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi regarding the localization of transportation industries in Egypt, and the assignments of Lieutenant General Engineer Kamel Al-Wazir and the Minister of Transport, the port system witnessed a new step towards development and modernization, through the signing of a contract between the General Authority of Red Sea Ports and the Suez Canal Authority, represented by the Crocodile Shipbuilding Company, to build and supply modern marine units that support the tug fleet and pilotage in the ports.
The contract was signed by Major General Staff Engineer Mohamed Abdel Rahim, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Authority of Red Sea Ports, and Engineer Ahmed Ibrahim Mostafa, representing Lieutenant General Osama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority. The agreement includes the manufacture and supply of 4 Tractor Tugs with a pulling force of between 70 and 75 tons, in addition to 3 service and pilotage boats with a pulling force of 20 tons.
The new tugs are distinguished by advanced designs in accordance with the latest international standards, with a length of between 35 and 37 metres, a width of 12 to 13 metres, and a draft of about 6.5 metres, with an operating speed of up to 12 knots. It also operates with highly efficient, medium-speed marine diesel engines, and includes advanced propulsion systems that give it great maneuverability within ports, in addition to integrated fire-fighting systems and navigational classifications approved for operation in Egyptian coastal waters.
As for the service and pilotage boats, they are approximately 18 meters long, have a towing capacity of up to 20 tons, and an operating speed of up to 10 knots, with the ability to work in weather conditions of up to 5-foot wind force, and are equipped with all the technical equipment necessary to support the work of pilotage and marine services.
The project is scheduled to be implemented according to a specific timetable, with the tugs and launches being delivered in stages during the implementation period, ensuring their rapid entry into service and enhancing the ports’ operational capabilities.
Major General Mohamed Abdel Rahim stressed that this contract represents an important step within a comprehensive plan to raise the efficiency of the towing and maritime pilotage system within the Red Sea ports, noting that the introduction of modern naval units contributes to enhancing maritime safety and keeping pace with the global development in ship sizes, thus raising operating efficiency and enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian ports regionally and internationally.
He added that the continuous development of the maritime infrastructure enhances the position of Egyptian ports as logistical centers capable of accommodating global trade movement with high efficiency.
For his part, Engineer Ahmed Ibrahim explained that the project reflects the state’s orientation towards the localization of the shipbuilding industry in Egypt, by relying on national entities that possess advanced technical expertise, stressing that this cooperation contributes to the transfer of modern technology, the development of local manufacturing capabilities, and the reduction of dependence on foreign imports, in a way that supports achieving self-sufficiency in this vital sector.
He pointed out that this cooperation between state institutions enhances efforts to modernize the Egyptian naval fleet, and supports the ports’ ability to provide more efficient and safe services in accordance with the latest international standards.
