How the Suez Canal Authority Is Turning Egypt into a Global Shipbuilding Hub
Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority (SCA) has marked a pivotal milestone by signing a landmark export agreement with Italy’s NERI Group to deliver two high-powered tugboats. This step underscores Egypt’s ambition to become a regional shipbuilding center and broadens the capabilities of its marine industry.
The contract ceremony, witnessed by SCA Chairman Osama Rabie, formalized the collaboration 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 tonnes, signaling Egypt’s technical and industrial advancement in maritime construction.
This deal represents Egypt’s first-ever export of domestically manufactured tugboats, supporting SCA’s strategy to localize shipbuilding and introduce Egyptian maritime expertise to global markets. Rabie described the contract as a vote of confidence in Egyptian engineering, praising revitalization efforts of the national shipyards. “This agreement opens new paths for Egyptian-made vessels to establish themselves on the world stage,” he said.
These tugboats will be based on the Rastar 3200-W design, known for its efficiency, stability, and towing performance, especially in port operations. Delivery to NERI Group is expected in the first quarter of next year, reinforcing Egypt’s growing footprint in international shipping.
The agreement also paves the way for stronger industrial cooperation between Egypt and Italy, elevating the SCA’s manufacturing arms as key participants in the global shipbuilding market. This milestone not only boosts Egypt’s “Made in Egypt” brand but also aligns with the national vision to expand public-private partnerships and deepen the country’s role in international maritime trade.
About Good Face Marine
Good Face Marine Services & Supplier Co. was founded in 1990 and has grown into one of Egypt’s leading marine suppliers, servicing fleets across all major ports with general ship supply, technical services, logistics, provisions & bonded stores, and crew change support.
