Petroleum services vessel ‘FAKHR 1’ joins Suez Canal Authority’s marine fleet

CAIRO – 4 June 2026: Admiral Osama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), announced on Thursday the arrival of the petroleum services vessel FAKHR 1, owned by Timsah Shipbuilding Company, one of the Authority’s subsidiaries. The vessel transited the Suez Canal as part of the southbound convoy after completing its journey from China and is set to join the Authority’s marine fleet.

Rabie stated that the vessel completed a 33-day voyage from China without the need for refueling. It was built at the Ningde Tai Jinzhou Yuajin Shipyard before sailing through the Suez Canal to its final destination at Timsah Shipbuilding Company.

The FAKHR 1 is 64.8 meters long, 16 meters wide, and has a draft of 5 meters. It is designed to accommodate a crew of up to 60 personnel.

 

The vessel incorporates advanced technology aimed at improving fuel efficiency and operational performance. It is equipped for diving operations and features a DP2 (Dynamic Positioning) system, which enables it to maintain its position accurately without the need for anchoring.

A reception ceremony was held to mark the vessel’s arrival, attended by Admiral Osama Rabie; Admiral Ashraf Atwa, Vice Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority; members of the Authority’s Board of Directors; senior officials; Engineer Abdel Hakim Zakaria, Director of the Companies Department; Engineer Ahmed Ibrahim, Chairman of Timsah Shipbuilding Company; and other representatives from the maritime sector.

During the ceremony, Rabie highlighted that FAKHR 1 is the first of its kind to operate as a geo-survey vessel for marine seismic surveys and petroleum exploration in Egypt. He noted that the vessel will support Egypt’s efforts to expand oil and gas exploration activities, strengthening the national fleet with advanced maritime capabilities. He further added that the project will contribute to reducing dependence on foreign-owned vessels, which generates economic savings and helps conserve foreign currency.

 

Rabie also revealed that preparations are underway for the vessel’s operational deployment in cooperation with the British consultancy firm ABL Group. Following the installation of specialized diving equipment, the vessel is expected to be officially commissioned and to enter service under the Egyptian flag in the near future.

For his part, the Chairman of the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) stated that FAKHR 1 will operate in the Abu Rudeis area of the Red Sea under a contract with Petrobel, one of EGPC’s affiliated companies. Commercial operations are expected to begin in July.

The Suez Canal Authority Chief reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to strengthening and modernizing its maritime fleet. He disclosed that discussions are currently underway regarding the construction of another petroleum services vessel similar to FAKHR 1 to further support petroleum exploration activities.

On the sidelines of the ceremony, Rabie toured the vessel and met with crew members and employees of Timsah Shipbuilding Company. He praised the company’s contribution to Al-Nasr Floating Bridge 2 project, expressing appreciation for the efforts of all teams involved in completing the project efficiently and within a record timeframe.

Rabie said the current achievements come as a result of sustained efforts to implement the Authority’s strategic vision, which focuses on diversifying revenue sources, expanding maritime services, and enhancing the profitability of its subsidiary companies.

FAKHR 1 is owned by a consortium comprising Timsah Shipbuilding Company, the Suez Canal Company for Mooring and Lighting, and the Suez Canal Ropes Company. It is the fourth petroleum services vessel operated by Timsah Shipbuilding Company. The company’s fleet also includes the vessels Aman, Ahmed Fadel, and Badr.