Egypt is building a high tech fishing fleet

In a bold move towards strengthening its maritime industries, Egypt has embarked on an ambitious project to construct 12 state-of-the-art high-seas fishing vessels. This initiative, spearheaded by the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) under the leadership of Chairman Osama Rabie, reflects the country's strategic commitment to modernizing its fishing fleet while advancing its broader maritime capabilities.

The construction of these vessels aligns with a directive from President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi to revamp Egypt's fishing sector. These ships represent not just a technological leap but also a shift towards integrated operations. Each vessel will function within a system designed for fishing, processing, and packaging — a critical step towards minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency.

Rabie highlighted the innovative design and advanced technology of the new vessels, which are expected to enhance productivity and competitiveness in Egypt's fishing industry. This modernization effort also addresses global concerns about sustainable fishing practices, ensuring that the fleet operates efficiently while reducing environmental impact.

The new vessels come in two distinct models, designed by the Spanish naval consultancy INSE NAVAL. The first model, a fishing trawler, measures 50 meters in length, 9.75 meters in width, and 4.9 meters in depth. Supervised by the French certification authority Bureau Veritas (BV), this model underscores Egypt's reliance on stringent international standards.

The second model, a side trawler, features a similar length but with a slightly wider beam of 10 meters and a draft of 4.2 meters. Italian classification authority RINA will oversee its development. This collaboration with European firms not only brings expertise but also ensures adherence to global benchmarks in vessel safety and operational standards.

Alongside the fishing vessels, Egypt is also investing heavily in modernizing its tugboat fleet. During an inspection at the South Red Sea Shipyard in Safaga, Rabie revealed significant progress in constructing 10 advanced marine tugs under the RAstar 3200-W model. These vessels, part of the "Azm" series, boast a towing capacity of 90 tons and cutting-edge firefighting systems.

The tugboats will serve dual purposes — assisting navigation through the Suez Canal and supporting external maritime operations. The SCA has already incorporated 28 new tugs of varying capacities, showcasing Egypt's proactive approach to meeting evolving maritime demands.

A key aspect of Egypt's maritime modernization plan is the focus on local industry. The Tugboat Factory, inaugurated in April 2024, spans 9,000 square meters and is equipped with specialized divisions for cutting, forming, and building vessels. This facility has generated over 700 job opportunities for engineers and workers, underscoring the developmental and social benefits of the initiative.

Chairman Mostafa El-Degheishi of the South Red Sea Shipyard expressed confidence in the project's timeline, noting significant progress on the first two tugs, Azm 1 and Azm 2. With completion rates of 90% and 80%, respectively, their launch is expected in early 2025.

The modernization efforts reflect Egypt's broader ambition to localize maritime industries, reduce dependence on imports, and position itself as a regional leader in maritime innovation. These advancements will not only enhance operational efficiency within the Suez Canal but also create new economic opportunities and bolster Egypt's global maritime presence.

As the Suez Canal remains a vital artery of international trade, these initiatives highlight Egypt's forward-looking strategy to harness its maritime potential. Through technological innovation, sustainability, and local empowerment, Egypt is setting the stage for a new era of economic and industrial growth.