Latest news with #SuezCanalAuthority
Egypt Independent
14 hours ago
- Automotive
- Egypt Independent
Photos: One of the world's largest car carriers transits Suez Canal
The Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), Osama Rabie announced that BYD XI'AN, one of the world's largest car carriers, has made its first voyage through the Suez Canal coming from Singapore and heading to Italy. The car carrier is 219 meters long, 37 meters wide, and has a draft of 10 meters. It has a capacity of 9,442 cars and was carrying 7,000 on board. The carrier is operated by the Chinese shipping line BYD, the largest Chinese manufacturer of electric vehicles. This is the shipping line's second voyage through the Suez Canal, following the transit of the BYD HEFEI on June 27. The Chairman of the SCA explained that the canal has lately seen many positive developments in car carrier traffic and their transit rates, even despite current challenges. Rabie anticipated an increase in the number of trips by the BYD shipping line, in addition to the regularity of some transits by the COSCO shipping line within its shipping services, in cooperation with Neptune Lines, which connects the Far East and the Mediterranean. He referred to the passage of two trips under the United Global Ro-Ro shipping service, which was launched in February, linking Far East ports with Mediterranean ports and northwestern Europe. Car carriers transiting the Suez Canal once again sends a message of confidence that the Canal will remain the main artery for global trade from East to West, he added. The gradual return of major shipping lines to transiting the canal is inevitable, he assured, the pace of which depends on the current situation and geopolitical challenges in the region. Rabie also expects the tonnage of car carriers transiting the canal to increase by at least 20 percent in the second half of this year compared to the first half of the same year.
Al-Ahram Weekly
a day ago
- Automotive
- Al-Ahram Weekly
China's BYD car carrier crosses Suez Canal on maiden voyage - Urban & Transport
BYD XI'AN, one of the world's largest car carriers, has successfully completed its maiden transit through Egypt's Suez Canal, the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) announced on Tuesday. The vessel, part of the southbound convoy, entered the international waterway from Singapore and is en route to Italy. According to SCA Chairman Osama Rabie, the BYD XI'AN measures 219 metres in length, 37 metres in width, and has a draft of 10 metres. It boasts a capacity of 9,442 vehicles and is currently carrying 7,000 cars. The ship is operated by the Chinese shipping line BYD, an affiliate of BYD Auto – the leading Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer. This marks the second passage by a BYD-operated car carrier through the Suez Canal, following the transit of the BYD HEFEI on 27 June. Rabie highlighted several positive indicators suggesting a steady return and increasing frequency of car carrier transits through the canal, despite ongoing global challenges. He also noted an expected rise in BYD voyages, as well as consistent transits by vessels affiliated with the Chinese shipping line COSCO, in cooperation with Neptune Lines. These routes link the Far East to the Mediterranean. Two voyages have been recorded as part of a new service launched in February 2025 by United Global Ro-Ro, connecting ports in the Far East with the Mediterranean and northwest Europe. Rabie emphasised that the return of car carriers to the Suez Canal is a strong vote of confidence in the waterway's continued role as a vital artery of global trade between East and West. He predicted a minimum 20 percent increase in car carrier tonnage through the canal in the second half of 2025 compared to the first half, as geopolitical and regional conditions evolve. Captain Rizwan Kapadi, who commanded the BYD XI'AN, praised the Suez Canal as the shortest, fastest, and safest route for global trade. He cited the canal's ability to significantly reduce sailing time and distance, along with its high safety standards, favourable navigation conditions, and climatic stability, especially when compared to the alternative route around the Cape of Good Hope. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Al-Ahram Weekly
6 days ago
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Ismailia 1 tugboat hits the water - Egypt - Al-Ahram Weekly
Ismailia 1, a made-in-Egypt tugboat with a towing capacity of 190 tons, was launched last week, marking an important step towards the localisation of heavy maritime manufacturing. In its strategic drive to localise its defence manufacturing industries, Egypt has taken big strides in the domestic production of frigates, warships, and specialised marine tugboats. This aligns with the directives of President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi who has frequently stressed that autonomous, indigenised industrial capacities are a pillar of national security in this era of rapid global changes. Egypt is in the process of implementing a comprehensive plan to strengthen its maritime manufacturing capabilities for both military and civilian purposes. The new rescue tugboats, pilot boats, and ferries it is manufacturing testify to its progress in this domain and to its commitment to ensuring the highest degrees of preparedness in the protection of our nation's maritime interests and the vital Suez Canal waterway. On 17 June the Egyptian Armed Forces announced the launch of the domestically manufactured tugboat, Ismailia 1. Designated as a type N 113 tugboat, it boasts a 190-ton bollard pull, or towing capacity. Constructed at the Alexandria Shipyard in accordance with the contract for manufacturing two tugboats for the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), the vessel entered service in a ceremony attended by Commander of the Naval Forces and Chairman of the Board of the Marine Industries and Services Organisation Lieutenant General Ashraf Atwa, and Chairman of the SCA Admiral Osama Rabie. 'The launch of the Ismailia 1, a massive, 190-ton bollard-pull rescue tug, marks a major leap forward in the localisation of heavy maritime manufactures in Egypt,' Admiral Rabie told Al-Ahram Weekly. He stressed that the tugboat is not just a technologically sophisticated rescue vessel, but also a symbol of Egypt's capacity to manufacture naval units that rival their global counterparts. 'What we have achieved today is not merely the launch of a tugboat; it is a clear declaration of industrial maturity and national capacities. It is proof we can craft hope with our own hands.' Admiral Rabie added that a sister tugboat, the Ismailia 2, is currently being built. He took the opportunity to express his gratitude to Vice Admiral Ashraf Atwa, praising his unwavering commitment to the modernisation and advancement of Egypt's naval forces. The Alexandria Shipyard, where the vessels are being constructed, is one of Egypt's citadels of naval industrial development. The Egyptian Armed Forces' cooperation with the shipyard is not a recent phenomenon, Admiral Rabie said. 'It has a long history that reflects the confidence in this national manufacturing institution, which has lived up to its reputation.' The SCA chairman has been enthusiastic about the project from the start. 'The towing capacity of these tugboats makes them the most powerful in the region. This is the first time that such high-spec rescue tugs have been built in Egypt.' He underscored the strategic necessity of having such specialised rescue tugs in the country's naval fleet, adding that Ismailia 1 and 2 will form the core of maritime security in the Suez Canal and Egyptian territorial waters. He also said that the Port Said and Suez shipyards, which are affiliated with the SCA, have produced eight tugboats with a 75-ton bollard pull. These are currently in service in the canal. In fact, one of them was instrumental to the successful refloating of the Ever Given, the mammoth container ship that ran aground in the Suez Canal in March 2021. According to the SCA chairman, Egypt is steadily becoming self-reliant not just in the manufacture of tugboats and ferries, but all maritime units. 'What we're seeing is a true manifestation of the Egyptian ability to turn vision into reality. I salute all the engineers, technicians and workers who were involved in this project' and extended his gratitude to President Al-Sisi for his continued support of national development projects. Chairman of the Alexandria Shipyard Rear Admiral Hossameddin Kotb described the launch of Ismailia 1 as a 'landmark in the localisation of heavy maritime industry in Egypt'. He added that the shipyard won the tender to build the Ismailia 1 and 2 amid fierce international competition. The Alexandria Shipyard underwent extensive upgrades after it was transferred to military ownership. Since its reopening in 2015, under a directive from President Al-Sisi, the establishment entered a new phase of development and production, Kotb told the Weekly. Since then, it has built three Gowind-class corvettes as well as its first MEKO-class frigate. In addition, it launched a new production line for Azimuth tugboats. These are tugs with an 85-ton bollard pull. They are now being marketed globally and also being manufactured in the SCA's southern shipyard. It was quite challenging to complete Ismailia 1 within the contractual execution period of just over 16 months. However, Alexandria Shipyard 'worked confidently and diligently, out of its commitment to the higher national interest'. This accomplishment 'is proof that Egypt is capable of implementing complex projects and ensuring the security of one of the world's most important maritime passages using purely Egyptian manpower.' Kotb added that the Alexandria Shipyard will soon follow through on that achievement by delivering the Ismailia 2 in the last quarter of this year. The second tugboat will bolster the SCA's operations, including the tasks involved in ensuring maritime security in and around the canal. Expressing his gratitude for the support from both Admiral Rabie and Vice Admiral Atwa, Rear Admiral Kotb seconded Rabie's salute to Egyptian engineers, technicians and workers. 'These people are the foundation of this achievement, which is the fruit of a clear vision, a supportive political will, and a strong national drive that combines industrial professionalism and faith in domestic manufacturing.' * A version of this article appears in print in the 10 July, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
See - Sada Elbalad
10-07-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Cypriot "UW" Group eyes investment in the Port Said Naval Shipyard
Basant Ahmed The Cypriot "UW" Group is looking to invest in the Port Said Naval Shipyard with the aim of transforming it into a world-class shipbuilding facility, offering maintenance, repair, and green scrapping services. This was stated during a meeting between Osama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, and a delegation from the Cypriot group specializing in ship repair and maintenance services, according to a statement issued by the Authority. Both parties agreed to study the partnership proposal and to hold further meetings to discuss all technical and economic aspects. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language
See - Sada Elbalad
09-07-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Suez Canal, UW Group Discuss Turning Port Said Shipyard into Global Hub for Shipbuilding
Taarek Refaat The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) is actively pursuing strategic partnerships to transform the Port Said shipyard into a world-class destination for shipbuilding, maintenance, repair, and environmentally friendly ship recycling services. A high-level delegation from Cyprus-based UW Group, a leading provider of ship repair and maintenance services to global shipping companies, met with Osama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, at the Pilots' Building in Ismailia. The meeting aimed to explore future cooperation to enhance the competitiveness of Port Said's shipyard. The delegation included Vassilios Demetriadis, UW Group's Strategic Affairs Advisor, and Evangelos Tsangaridis, the Group's Chief Operating Officer. During the discussions, both parties explored potential partnerships and investment opportunities to develop the shipyard into a globally recognized facility capable of offering comprehensive shipbuilding, maintenance, repair, and green recycling services. Rabie reaffirmed the Suez Canal Authority's ambitious strategy to diversify its revenue streams by maximizing the value of its assets and upgrading the marine and logistical services offered. This aligns with the authority's vision to transform the canal into a global center for shipbuilding and marine unit services, including spare parts, repair, and maintenance. He expressed eagerness to open new avenues for collaboration with major players in the ship repair sector, emphasizing technology transfer, knowledge exchange, workforce training, and elevating the competitiveness of the SCA's shipyards to become the premier global destination offering high-quality services at competitive costs. He further outlined the authority's commitment to developing the Port Said shipyard into a state-of-the-art facility utilizing the latest global technologies, including new service lines like container repair and environmentally responsible ship recycling using advanced systems. Demetriadis highlighted the promising future for the Port Said shipyard, citing its strategic geographical location and strong physical and human resources as key factors positioning it as the optimal destination for Mediterranean ship repair and maintenance with advanced, eco-friendly approaches that align with rapid changes in maritime transport. While, Tsangaridis discussed plans to enhance mechanization across various operations, improve workforce efficiency, and adhere to environmental standards and sustainability principles consistent with the blue economy and the Suez Canal's green transformation strategy. The meeting concluded with agreement to study the partnership proposal further and arrange additional discussions focusing on technical and economic aspects. read more CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years Business Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves Business Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue Business Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday Business Wheat delivery season commences on April 15 News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
