SCA chief inspects tugboat, fishing vessel construction in Safaga

Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Osama Rabie inspected construction works of tugboats and deep-sea fishing vessels being built for the authority at the South Red Sea Shipyard Company in Safaga.

Rabie was accompanied by Chairman of the shipyard company Mostafa al-Degheishi and a number of SCA officials.

In a statement on Monday, March 9, 2026, the authority said the tour included reviewing progress in building three excursion launches designated for marine and Nile tourism services at the fiberglass factory of the Suez Canal Company for Modern Boats, a joint venture between the SCA and the South Red Sea Shipyard Company.

Construction progress has reached 70 percent, including mechanical and electrical works as well as interior and exterior finishing, the statement said.

Rabie also inspected the construction of “Azm” class tugboats with a 90-ton bollard pull, directing that the timetable be strictly observed to complete six remaining tugboats, after four tugboats have already been delivered to operate in the canal’s navigation channel under a contract to build ten tugboats.

He stressed the need to adhere to all quality and safety standards and contractual terms during the construction of two export tugboats being built for the Italian company NERI, expressing confidence that the company’s upcoming visit to monitor construction progress will help enhance cooperation and activate a contractual clause to build two additional tugboats.