Egypt Expands Its Tugboat Fleet with the Launch of AZM 3 and AZM 4
Egypt continues to strengthen its maritime and shipbuilding capabilities as Admiral Osama Rabiee, Chairman and Managing Director of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), witnessed the successful launch of two new tugboats, AZM 3 and AZM 4. The event took place at Misr Tugboats Factory in Safaga and represents another milestone in the national strategy to localize maritime industries and modernize the SCA’s operational fleet.
Each tugboat has a bollard pull capacity of 90 tons, designed to deliver high performance and stability in both harbor and offshore operations. Built in cooperation with the South Red Sea Shipyard, the vessels highlight Egypt’s growing industrial capacity and technical expertise in the marine sector.
Admiral Rabiee noted that these launches mark a new chapter in Egypt’s efforts to develop a fully integrated shipbuilding base capable of serving both domestic and international markets. The new vessels adhere to the highest global standards for safety, energy efficiency, and operational reliability.
The AZM 3 and AZM 4 are 32 meters long and 13.5 meters wide, equipped with advanced propulsion and navigation systems to support heavy-duty towing operations. Their design enhances maneuverability and ensures optimal performance in the demanding conditions of the Suez Canal and surrounding waters.
This achievement follows the earlier completion of AZM 1 and AZM 2 and is part of a ten-vessel program aimed at upgrading the Suez Canal Authority’s tugboat fleet. Alongside these projects, Misr Tugboats Factory is also progressing with the construction of twelve modern fishing vessels, supporting Egypt’s broader vision to expand its shipbuilding capabilities.
Through such milestones, Egypt reinforces its commitment to advancing maritime infrastructure, promoting local manufacturing, and boosting the competitiveness of its shipbuilding industry across global markets.
At Pilot for Supply, we recognize the importance of these national developments in supporting more efficient, safe, and sustainable marine operations. As a trusted partner in marine supply and logistics, we continue to provide reliable services that meet the evolving needs of vessels operating in Egypt’s ports and the Suez Canal region.
