Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority (SCA)
has taken a major step toward establishing Egypt as a regional shipbuilding hub, after signing a landmark export deal with Italy’s NERI Group for two high-powered tugboats.
The agreement, witnessed by SCA Chairman Osama Rabie, was signed between Misr Tugboats Factory, a subsidiary of the Suez Canal Company for Modern Boats, and the Italian
maritime group. Each tugboat will deliver a bollard pull of 90 tons, highlighting Egypt’s growing industrial capabilities in the marine and shipbuilding sector.
This contract marks Egypt’s first-ever export of locally manufactured tugboats, reflecting the SCA’s broader strategy to localize shipbuilding and bring Egyptian maritime expertise to international markets.
According to Chairman Rabie, the agreement represents a vote of confidence in Egyptian engineering and highlights
the success of the authority’s efforts to revitalize the national shipyard industry. “This step opens new horizons for Egyptian-made vessels to compete globally,” he stated.
The tugboats will be built based on the Rastar 3200-W design, known for its efficiency, stability, and high performance towing in port operations. Delivery to the NERI Group is expected in the first quarter of next year, marking another milestone in Egypt’s journey toward marine industry modernization.
The deal also sets the stage for deeper industrial cooperation between Egypt and Italy, positioning the SCA’s manufacturing subsidiaries as key players in the
international shipbuilding market.
This achievement not only strengthens Egypt’s “Made in Egypt” brand but also aligns with the national vision to expand public-private partnerships and enhance the
The country’s presence in global maritime trade and logistics.
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