Egypt Expands Maritime Strength with the Launch of AZM 3 and AZM 4 Tugboats
In line with Egypt’s ongoing efforts to localize shipbuilding and strengthen its maritime industry, the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has celebrated a new milestone with the launch of the tugboats AZM 3 and AZM 4, each with a bollard pull capacity of 90 tons. The event took place at Misr Tugboats Factory in Safaga, during a visit by Admiral Osama Rabiee, Chairman and Managing Director of the SCA.
The two tugboats are part of a broader national program to modernize the SCA’s fleet and enhance the capabilities of Egypt’s maritime units. Built under the supervision of the South Red Sea Shipyard, the vessels mark an important step in Egypt’s plan to become a regional hub for marine manufacturing.
Admiral Rabiee praised the progress achieved by the factory, describing it as “a new chapter in the localization of building marine units in Egypt.” He emphasized that the success of Misr Tugboats Factory reflects the country’s determination to develop its shipbuilding and heavy industries, meeting both domestic needs and export ambitions.
The AZM 3 and AZM 4 tugboats, each measuring 32 meters in length and 13.5 meters in beam, are designed for high-performance towing and port operations. Their construction follows the recent delivery of AZM 1 and AZM 2, marking steady progress in the SCA’s long-term fleet renewal plan.
Work continues at a fast pace to deliver additional tugboats by the end of the year, alongside projects to build 12 high-seas fishing vessels that further expand Egypt’s industrial maritime output.
This achievement also comes amid growing export interest from international markets, as several foreign entities have approached the SCA to purchase Egyptian-built vessels — a strong indicator of confidence in Egyptian engineering and manufacturing quality.
The launch of AZM 3 and AZM 4 reflects not only a technical success but also a strategic vision to position Egypt as a competitive player in global shipbuilding. It demonstrates the coordinated national effort between the Suez Canal Authority, South Red Sea Shipyard, and local partners to drive sustainable industrial growth within the maritime sector.
