Wadi El-Arish (El-Arish Valley) will operated by the National Navigation Company under the Ministry of Industry and Transport.

It has docked at an Egyptian port for the first time since its acquisition earlier this year from China’s Jiangsu Hantong Shipyard, a leading global shipbuilder specializing in dry bulk carriers.

During the ceremony, PM Madbouly highlighted that integrating Wadi El-Arish into Egypt’s commercial fleet aligns with President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi’s directives to transform Egypt into a regional hub for logistics and transit trade.

He emphasized the government’s integrated efforts to modernize the maritime transport sector and revitalize the national fleet to strengthen Egypt’s position in global trade.
 

Ship specs and capabilities
 

During a vessel tour, Minister El-Wazir explained its state-of-the-art design and specifications.

Wadi El-Arish boasts a total cargo capacity of 82,000 tons, a length of 229 metres, a width of 32.26 metres, and a draft of 14.5 metres.

Built with advanced hull designs to optimize fuel efficiency, it features a MAN B&W main engine and cutting-edge navigation systems that comply with international environmental standards.

These features ensure the ship’s operational excellence and align with global maritime best practices.

The prime minister and his delegation inspected the ship’s bridge, which has been equipped with the latest electronic navigation charts for enhanced safety.

They then ascended to its highest point to observe the vessel’s layout and operations.

Strategic maritime growth
 

Minister El-Wazir described the addition of Wadi El-Arish as a significant step in the transport ministry's strategy to modernize the National Navigation Company’s fleet.

This initiative aims to expand the fleet to 14 vessels with a combined capacity exceeding 1 million tons and an annual transport capability of 10 million tons.

The fleet primarily secures strategic imports, including wheat, for the General Authority for Supply Commodities.

The minister highlighted the acquisition of similar ships, including Wadi El-Molouk and Wadi El-Malakat, which President El-Sisi inaugurated in June 2023 during the opening of the Tahya Misr terminal at Alexandria Port.

Additionally, two more vessels of the same class and capacity are under construction, with delivery expected by 2026.

The ministry’s comprehensive plan targets 36 ships by 2030, capable of transporting 25 million tons annually, compared to the current capacity of 20 ships.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Transport, the Wadi El-Arish ship has transported nearly 300,000 tons over four voyages since its acquisition in January 2024, including its most recent voyage transporting a shipment of 71,500 tons of corn from Brazil.

 The National Navigation Company’s fleet is operating at peak capacity this year, with 45 percent of its fleet renewed or upgraded using its self-financing over the past three years — a milestone unprecedented in Egypt’s maritime history, the ministry added.