Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Vice Admiral Osama Rabie attended on Monday the launch ceremony of the deep-sea fishing vessels “Rizk 2” and “Rizk 3” at the South Red Sea Shipyard in Safaga.
The move has come in response to directives of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to modernise and develop Egypt’s fishing fleet, the authority said in a statement.
The vessels form part of a wider programme comprising 12 deep-sea fishing vessels under the “Rizk” class, being constructed sequentially for the Suez Canal Authority at the “Misr Factory”, under the technical supervision of the Italian classification society RINA.
“Rizk 2” and “Rizk 3” are the first production vessels of this series, the authority illustrated in its statement.
“Both vessels share identical specifications, each measuring 50 metres in length, 10.5 metres in beam, and 4.2 metres in draft, with a maximum speed of up to 12 knots.
“Each vessel is equipped with four generators, including two main generators of 450 kilowatts each, one emergency generator of 100 kilowatts, and a mechanical generator of 450 kilowatts capable of supporting propulsion in the event of main engine failure, in addition to supplying onboard electrical power,” added the statement.
The vessels are further distinguished by advanced fishing systems designed specifically for deep-sea operations, including fishing lines extending up to 150,000 metres, as well as high-capacity storage and freezing facilities to ensure optimal preservation of catch quality.
The SCA Chief Rabie stated that the “Rizk” class represents the first of its kind in Egypt and marks a significant advancement in the country’s fishing vessel industry, noting that Egypt had not previously manufactured vessels equipped for deep-sea and international fishing operations in accordance with relevant global standards and agreements.
Admiral Rabie further explained that the “Rizk” vessels constitute an integrated system for fishing, production, and packaging, incorporating the latest technologies, and form part of broader efforts to modernise the national fishing fleet in line with state directives.
Local manufacturing of such vessels represents a foundational step towards advancing Egypt’s shipbuilding capabilities, enhancing technical expertise, and supporting foreign currency generation through operational and industrial expansion, he said.
Moustafa El-Degishy,Chairman of the Board of Directors of South Red Sea Shipyard Company, described the project as a qualitative leap in the maritime industry, emphasising that such achievements were made possible through state support and directives aimed at increasing private sector participation and localising shipbuilding activities.
Director of RINA Egypt Office Eng Shadi El-Matbouli, representing the Italian supervisory authority, expressed pride in the launch of the first two Egyptian deep-sea fishing vessels built in accordance with international requirements.
El-Matbouli confirmed that RINA supervised all stages of construction, including design approval, stability calculations, equipment and machinery certification, and on-site technical oversight throughout the build process.
