Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Chairman Osama Rabie inaugurated four new tugboats on Friday, including three “Azima” class vessels and the first “Tem Azima” tugboat built by the Authority’s subsidiary, Timsah Shipbuilding Company. The launch highlights the SCA’s commitment to localising shipbuilding and transforming its shipyards into internationally competitive industrial hubs.
The newly commissioned Azima tugs (Azima 7, 9, and 10) feature advanced specifications, measuring 18.6 meters in length with a 12-ton bollard pull and a top speed of 11 knots. Each is powered by dual 500-hp Scania engines. Notably, Azima 7 is specialised for marine rescue, equipped with dedicated diving gear and crew facilities.
The SCA chairman also inspected the “Naghi 1” vessel, owned by Saudi Naghi Marine Co, following maintenance and overhaul by Timsah with participation from Port Said Shipyard. The collaboration has led to a contract for Timsah to maintain all Saudi-owned vessels consecutively.
Rabie praised the workers for high-quality construction and urged continued efforts to increase production and competitiveness, emphasising energy efficiency and asset preservation.
He highlighted that the SCA’s subsidiaries leverage their strategic location and accumulated expertise to realise Egypt’s political leadership vision of localising shipbuilding, opening export markets, supporting the national economy, creating jobs and earning foreign currency.
The new tugboats will enhance the Authority’s maritime services and strengthen the Suez Canal’s competitiveness as a global shipping route. He affirmed continued support for shipyards and subsidiaries to meet domestic market needs, compete regionally and add value to the Egyptian economy, in line with the country’s sustainable development vision, Rabie said.
