Egypt inks contract with Chinese shipbuilder for high-flying vessels

The cabinet of the National Navigation Company (NNC) has confirmed the signing of a contract with China’s Heavy Industry shipbuilder, Jiangsu Hantong.

The agreement entails the construction of two cutting-edge clean dry bulk ships, each boasting a 82,000-ton capacity.

This announcement was made by the cabinet on Wednesday, heralding a new era of maritime advancement for Egypt.

Scheduled for completion and handover in 2026, the vessels will be crafted by Hantong Shipyard in accordance to the latest environmental standards and leading global designs.

over 40 per cent of the national commercial fleet will be renewed within a span of three years.

The expansion according to the NNC, aims to enhance Egypt’s capacity to transport an estimated 20 million tons of vital goods, including grains and oil annually and to facilitate passenger travel between Egypt and international destinations, fostering connectivity and trade relations.

It added that upon integration into the fleet, the National Navigation Company’s arsenal will swell to 16 Egyptian vessels, collectively boasting an annual tonnage exceeding one million tons.

The Ministry of Transport and the National Navigation Company had set a target to increase its subsidiary fleet to 31 ships by 2030.