Egypt Achieves Maritime Milestone: First Made In Egypt Tourist Yacht Launched, Elevating National Shipbuilding And Tourism

Published on November 11, 2025

A moment of profound national significance was recently marked by the ceremonial launch of a cutting-edge tourist yacht, an unparalleled achievement realized entirely through domestic engineering and craftsmanship. This remarkable vessel, the very first of its kind to be wholly fabricated on Egyptian soil, signals a pivotal step forward for the country’s ambitious economic and industrial reform agenda. The grand unveiling was carried out under the distinguished patronage of Admiral Ossama Rabiee, the Chairman and Managing Director of the Suez Canal Authority, thereby underscoring the strategic importance assigned to this project by the nation’s leadership.

The vessel’s construction and introduction were overseen by the Suez Canal Company for Modern Boats, a dynamic entity established as a formidable partnership between the Suez Canal Authority and the South Red Sea Shipyard Co. This joint venture was conceived with the explicit mandate of elevating Egypt’s domestic shipbuilding capacity to world-class standards. The ceremony was also graced by the presence of Mr. Mostafa El-Dougishy, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, whose dedication has been instrumental in translating this national vision into a tangible asset. The successful launch does not merely represent the completion of a single vessel; rather, it has been asserted that it marks the initiation of an entirely new, sophisticated production line dedicated to the construction of high-end tourist yachts. The completion of this impressive 37-meter tourist yacht is viewed as a crucial step toward realizing the directive issued by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, which calls for the extensive maritime industry localization within the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Engineering Excellence: Specifications of the Flagship Vessel

The newly commissioned vessel has been meticulously designed to meet the rigorous demands of global maritime leisure, with a specific focus on luxury, performance, and durability. Detailed technical specifications illustrate the high degree of engineering expertise that has been embedded in its construction. The yacht measures an imposing 37 meters in overall length, complemented by a substantial beam, or width, of 8.2 meters. With a displacement weight recorded at 135 tons, the yacht possesses the necessary heft and stability required for open-water operation.

The aesthetic profile of the vessel adheres to the internationally recognized Sport Fisherman design typology, which seamlessly blends high-performance capabilities with opulent interior spaces. Power is supplied by two robust 2600 hp MTU engines, guaranteeing exceptional speed and operational efficiency. The propulsion system’s selection underscores a commitment to integrating advanced global technology within a locally produced framework. Furthermore, the vessel’s operational efficiency is enhanced by modern hydraulic units; two forward units have been installed to expertly operate a multi-purpose winch, while a stern hydraulic unit has been carefully integrated to control the sophisticated swimming platform, thereby maximizing passenger enjoyment and operational ease.

Strategic Partnerships and Oversight

The design and development phases of the flagship yacht were carried out through vital international collaborations, ensuring that the vessel adheres to the highest global benchmarks for quality and design innovation. The external yacht design was meticulously crafted by Fryco Yachts (USA), a firm distinguished for its contemporary and functional naval architecture. The equally important task of designing the plush interiors was entrusted to Georges Vafiadis, a renowned designer whose work is synonymous with luxury and sophistication in the yachting world.

Diversifying the Fleet: Maritime and River Tourism

The launch of the 37-meter tourist yacht represents only one facet of a comprehensive strategy being enacted by the company to bolster Egypt’s burgeoning maritime tourism sector. Mr. Mostafa El-Dougishy revealed that a multitude of other projects have already been initiated to cater to diverse segments of the market. Construction is currently underway on an 18-meter tourist yacht, a project specifically utilizing a fiberglass mold that has been prepared to facilitate potential mass production once the factory facilities achieve full operational capacity. This forward-looking approach ensures scalability and responsiveness to market demand.

Advancements in the Operational Fleet

Beyond the realm of leisure vessels, significant efforts have also been directed toward enhancing the operational capabilities of the Suez Canal’s working fleet. During his visit, a thorough inspection was carried out by Admiral Rabiee on two newly constructed tugboats, specifically named AZM 3 and AZM 4. These powerful and essential vessels have been scheduled for an official delivery to the Suez Canal Authority by the end of December. The addition of these advanced tugboats is expected to augment the Canal’s capacity to manage and assist large transiting container vessels, thereby maintaining the operational security and efficiency of one of the world’s most critical maritime arteries.

Global Engagement and Future Trajectories

The commitment to continuous improvement and global integration was further demonstrated during the visit, as a productive meeting was held between Admiral Rabiee and a high-level delegation from Svitzer, a globally recognized entity specializing in towing and marine salvage operations. This strategic discussion was centered on exploring potential areas of cooperation between the two organizations, a move that is expected to introduce international best practices and operational efficiencies into the local maritime ecosystem. The Svitzer delegation was comprised of several key figures, including Captain Hossam Eid, Engineer Abdel Latif Ragab, and Mr. Amr El Bibany, who were joined by Engineer Essam El-Maghraby, the esteemed Chairman of the Suez Canal Company for Modern Boats. Such engagements are vital for the transfer of knowledge and the fostering of commercial relationships that benefit the national economy.