Japan has announced a grant of EGP 1 billion (USD 22 million) to Egypt for the construction of a state-of-the-art Dive Support Vessel (DSV) for the Suez Canal Authority (SCA). Funded through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the project aims to enhance navigational safety, strengthen emergency response capabilities, and support the sustainable operation of one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.
Strengthening Safety and Emergency Response in the Suez Canal
The new Dive Support Vessel will significantly boost the SCA’s operational capabilities by enabling a wide range of maritime services. These include towing operations, vessel assistance during manoeuvring, rapid emergency response, and specialised diving, search, and recovery missions.
According to Egyptian officials, the vessel will reinforce the authority’s marine rescue capacity at a time when the Suez Canal continues to handle nearly 12% of global trade, making operational reliability and safety paramount.
SCA Chairman Osama Rabie highlighted that the DSV will be a major addition to the authority’s fleet, complementing future plans to introduce two high-powered rescue tugs with 190 tonnes of bollard pull each, further strengthening the canal’s emergency preparedness.
Advanced Technology and Sustainable Vessel Design
Technical specifications released by the SCA indicate that the 45-metre-long vessel will be built entirely in Japan in compliance with SOLAS regulations and under the supervision of ClassNK (Nippon Kaiji Kyokai). The vessel will feature a dual-fuel engine operating on diesel and natural gas, supporting emissions reduction and environmental sustainability.
With a beam of 10 metres, draught of 4.5 metres, and displacement of 620 tonnes, the DSV will reach a maximum speed of 12 knots and accommodate up to 29 personnel. It will also be equipped with two decompression chambers for diving operations and an onboard waste treatment system, underscoring its advanced operational and environmental credentials.
The Japan-funded Dive Support Vessel marks a significant milestone in Egypt–Japan maritime cooperation, reflecting nearly 70 years of partnership between JICA and the Suez Canal Authority. By combining advanced Japanese technology with Egypt’s strategic maritime ambitions, the project will enhance safety, resilience, and sustainability along one of the world’s most vital shipping routes strengthening the Suez Canal’s role as a cornerstone of global trade.
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Source – Marine Insight
