During his speech,
Metwally emphasized that the project represents a deepening and expansion of
the long-standing, successful partnership between NNC and Hantong Shipyard.
This partnership was further strengthened in January 2024 with the delivery of
the vessel Wadi El-Arish of the same class, which has already demonstrated high
levels of quality, professionalism, and reliability in service.
He added that the two
new vessels, contracted in April 2024 and scheduled for delivery in 2026,
represent an advanced model of shipbuilding technology. Each vessel measures
229 meters in length, 32.26 meters in beam, and has a draft of 14.5 meters.
They are powered by a 7,490 kW MAN B&W main engine equipped with advanced
emissions control systems, ensuring full compliance with current and future
global environmental standards while achieving maximum operational efficiency.
Metwally noted that
the delivery of these two vessels, along with two additional Kamsarmax-class
vessels of 82,000 tons deadweight each, contracted in 2025 with the same
shipyard for delivery in 2028, will allow NNC to renew and modernize
approximately 54 percent of its owned fleet over the past three years, fully
self-financed. This achievement marks a major step toward realizing Egypt’s Vision
2030 for Sustainable Development and implementing the Ministry of Transport’s
plan to restore the strength and global competitiveness of the Egyptian
merchant fleet, in line with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s directives.
The plan is for the
fleet to expand to 40 vessels by 2030, capable of transporting 30 million tons
of various goods annually, compared to 20 vessels with a total capacity of 9
million tons. This expansion will serve strategic cargo, including grains,
petroleum, and passenger transport between Egypt and international
destinations.
NNC is a leading
maritime transport operator in the Middle East and a subsidiary of the Holding
Company for Maritime and Land Transport, affiliated with the Ministry of
Transport. Its activities primarily focus on dry bulk shipping.
NNC was founded in
1981 as an Egyptian joint-stock company under the Investment and Free Zones
Law. It aims to enhance the global standing of Egypt’s merchant fleet by owning
and operating a modern and sustainable fleet, guided by advanced management and
an innovative work environment. This initiative supports and expands Egypt’s
foreign trade in line with the objectives of Vision 2030 for Sustainable
Development.