Source: https://d1shccof2rzrfp.cloudfront.net

**Suez Canal Authority Advances Modernization with New Fishing Vessels**

The Suez Canal Authority, under the leadership of Admiral Osama Rabie, is making significant strides in modernizing Egypt's maritime capabilities. During a recent site visit, Rabie inspected the ongoing construction of 12 new deep-sea fishing vessels at the South Red Sea shipyard, located in Safaga, marking a pivotal moment in enhancing the country's fishing fleet.

This initiative aligns with Egypt's broader strategy to boost its maritime industry. The construction of these vessels is part of a comprehensive project that includes the building of 10 modern tugboats at the Egypt Tugboat Factory. The admiral's tour highlighted key developments, including the advanced stages of the Azm-class tugboats, which are set to be operational soon.

The new vessels are designed to serve as an integrated system for fishing, production, and fish processing. This modernization effort is expected to increase efficiency and output, supporting Egypt's economic and food security goals. The collaboration between the **Suez Canal Authority** and the **South Red Sea Shipyard** underscores a joint ambition to localize marine industries and enhance domestic capabilities.

Mustafa al-Dughaishi, Chairman of the South Red Sea Shipyard, shared optimistic progress reports, revealing that several tugboats are nearing completion and will soon be launched. This project not only advances Egypt's fishing industry but also strengthens its position in the maritime sector, showcasing a commitment to innovation and growth.

https://maritime-executive.com/article/suez-canal-responds-to-distress-call-from-listing-vessel

The Suez Canal Authority has responded to a distress call from a small cargo ship, the Labatros, off the northern terminus of the canal. The vessel, registered in Tanzania and owned by a Lebanese company, lost stability this morning, April 23, prompting concerns of potential capsize. Managed by Egypt’s Assiut Agency, the Labatros, with a tonnage of 3,000 tons and a length of 308 feet (94 meters), was bound for the southern Egyptian port of Adabiya.

مقتطفات لسفينة البضائع LABATROS بعد نجاح وحدات الإنقاذ البحري التابعة لهيئة قناة السويس في إنقاذها من الغرق الكامل .#suezcanal pic.twitter.com/Cu3zm5Wpes

— هيئة قناة السويس Suez Canal Authority (@SuezAuthorityEG) April 23, 2024

Two Suez Canal tugs and another vessel were dispatched to aid the 12 crewmembers aboard. The ship was observed with an increasing list to starboard in the northern anchorage near Port Said, prior to joining the northern convoy for transit. Presently anchored near Port Said, the Labatros undergoes technical assessment by the Suez Canal Authority to determine the cause of the list and ensure crew safety, with ongoing monitoring for potential pollution.