Egypt Launches First Domestically-Built Tugs for Suez Canal

Egyptian officials celebrated the launch of the first two domestically built tugboats on April 23, which will be used for the Suez Canal. They highlighted it was part of a broader effort to expand Egypt’s maritime community and support the capabilities of the Suez Canal Company.

In a public-private partnership, new shipyard capabilities were established at the southern port of Safaga, where the tugs were launched. The development of the yard included a new marine quay with mooring bollards, a quay for lifting vessels, and an 850-ton winch for lifting and unloading equipment and vessels.

During the speeches, it was highlighted that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi is supporting the effort. The president outlined the vision of localizing various marine capabilities in Egypt. In addition to the tug construction, the president directed the development of a new fishing fleet, which will include 12 deep-sea vessels as well as the construction capabilities for tourist vessels.

The first of 10 new tugs planned for the Suez Canal Authority was officially launched during the ceremony. They highlight that the tugs have a pulling power of 90 tons and incorporate advanced navigational capabilities and environmentally friendly technologies. Each tug is 32 meters (105 feet) in length and has a top speed of 12 knots. They were designed by the international firm Robert Allan.