With the commissioning of a new salvage tug, Egypt continues its modernization of the Suez Canal. This reinforcement is part of a major investment plan launched after the grounding of the Ever Given in 2021.

Several years after the Suez Canal was paralyzed by the Ever Given container ship, Egypt continues to invest to prevent a repeat of such incidents. The latest addition to its fleet, the tugboat Ismailia 1, was designed by the Alexandria Shipyard (ASY). At 71 meters long, it can tow up to 190 tons. It is part of an infrastructure security plan.

This program includes the widening of certain sections of the canal and the strengthening of technical equipment. The Suez Canal Authority also plans to soon deliver a second tugboat, and is relying on a fleet of around thirty units acquired in recent years. These efforts come amid an expected improvement in maritime traffic via the Red Sea.

But the stakes go beyond mere operational issues. The Egyptian government is also seeking to develop its industrial capacity. The local construction of the new ship illustrates a desire to increase production in the country, relying on public shipyards, national institutions, and private partners.

The goal is also to establish Egypt as a regional hub for shipbuilding and maritime equipment. This strategy combines technological sovereignty, industrial revival, and securing a vital maritime route for global trade.