Egypt’s Shipbuilding Progress: Launch of Two 90-Ton Tugboats AZM 3 & AZM 4

Egypt’s Shipbuilding Progress: Launch of Two 90-Ton Tugboats AZM 3 & AZM 4 

Egypt has taken a significant step forward in its maritime industry with the launch of two newly built tugboats, AZM 3 and AZM 4, each with a bollard pull capacity of 90 tons. The launch ceremony was held at Misr Tugboats Factory in Safaga and attended by Admiral Osama Rabiee, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA). These vessels are part of a strategic program to modernize the SCA’s fleet and strengthen Egypt’s shipbuilding capabilities. 

Built under the supervision of the South Red Sea Shipyard, the tugboats mark an important milestone in Egypt’s efforts to localize marine manufacturing and enhance self-sufficiency. The two vessels measure 32 meters in length with a beam of 13.5 meters and a draft of 6 meters, and are capable of performing heavy-duty towing and port operations. 

Chairman Rabiee described the factory’s output as a new chapter in the localization of marine unit construction in Egypt. He noted that the project is moving at pace to meet ambitious production targets and highlighted that foreign offers have already been received in response to the “Made in Egypt” initiative. This demonstrates growing international interest and confidence in Egyptian maritime products. 

The staged rollout of these vessels follows the earlier delivery of AZM 1 and AZM 2 and is part of a broader plan that includes building ten 90-ton tugboats for the SCA and twelve high-seas fishing vessels for the national fleet. Meanwhile, major infrastructure developments at the South Red Sea Shipyard including new quays, administrative buildings, and storage facilities are reinforcing the shipbuilding capacity and operational readiness of Egypt’s maritime industries. 

For companies involved in ship supply and marine support, this expansion of Egypt’s industrial base brings new opportunities. As a leading marine services provider, Blue Star Marine Services remains well positioned to support vessels calling in Egypt with high-quality supplies, technical support, and logistics services.