Adm. Ossama Rabiee described the REZK class as the first of its kind in Egypt; this is a hige step forward for the country’s fishing vessel construction industry.
The Chairman of the South Red Sea Shipyard said the REZK project represents a major advancement for the sector, adding that the partnership with the Suez Canal Authority has led to continuous progress in the construction of marine vessels.
As part of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s plans to modernize Egypt’s fishing fleet, Adm. Ossama Rabiee, Chairman and Managing Director of the Suez Canal Authority, attended the launch ceremony of the high-seas fishing vessels REZK 2 and REZK 3 at the South Red Sea Shipyard in Safaga. The event was also attended by Mostafa El-Dougishy, Chairman of the shipyard, along with several company officials.
REZK 2 and REZK 3 are the first fishing vessels produced by Misr Factory. They form part of a series of 12 high-seas fishing vessels being built for the Suez Canal Authority under the supervision of the Italian classification society RINA.
Both vessels measure 50 meters in length, 10.5 meters in width, and 4.2 meters in draft, with a maximum speed of 12 knots.
Each vessel is fitted with four generators, including two 450 kW main generators, one 100 kW emergency generator, and one 450 kW mechanical generator. These systems provide onboard electricity and can also support the propulsion system if the main generators fail.
The vessels include features designed specifically for high-seas fishing operations. Their fishing lines extend more than 150,000 meters, while their storage chambers are built to preserve and freeze fish for extended periods without affecting quality.
Adm. Rabiee said the REZK class represents Egypt’s first attempt at building fishing vessels capable of operating in high seas and international waters according to international standards and treaty requirements.
He explained that the REZK vessels operate as a complete system for harvesting, processing, and packaging fish using modern equipment and advanced technology. He added that the project supports ongoing efforts to upgrade Egypt’s fishing fleet in line with government directives.
Rabiee also noted that building these vessels locally opens the door for further development in Egypt’s shipbuilding industry. He said the project will help develop technical expertise for more advanced vessel construction while also supporting economic growth and generating foreign currency revenues through fishing operations and exports.
Mostafa El-Dougishy said the construction of high-seas fishing vessels reflects major progress for the local maritime sector and credited President El-Sisi’s support for encouraging private sector participation in shipbuilding and fleet modernization.
He added that cooperation with the Suez Canal Authority has helped the shipyard achieve rapid progress in maritime manufacturing. He noted that work is currently underway on four vessels at the same time, while sea trials for REZK 2 and REZK 3 are expected to finish within two months.
Shady El-Matbouly, Manager of RINA Egypt Office and representative of the Italian classification society, said the launch of the first two vessels marks an important step for Egypt’s fishing fleet. He confirmed that the vessels comply fully with RINA standards and international regulations for deep-sea fishing vessels.
El-Matbouly added that RINA supervised every stage of the project, including design approvals, stability studies, equipment certification, machinery inspections, and construction oversight through its representatives in Egypt.
source: maritimafrica.com
African Maritime Council