Egypt’s Suez Canal Welcomes New Oil Exploration Vessel ‘Fakhr 1’

Arrival of the exploration vessel Fakhr 1.

Admiral Osama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, announced on Thursday the arrival of the integrated supply and service vessel “Fakhr 1,” owned by the Timsah Shipbuilding Company, a subsidiary of the authority. The vessel arrived after transiting through the Suez Canal as part of a southern convoy, having traveled from China.

The journey of the oil services vessel took 33 days without interruption since its departure from China, following its completion at the Ningde Tai Jinzhou Yuajin shipyard. It has now reached its final destination at Timsah Shipbuilding Company.

Measuring 64.8 meters in length and 16 meters in width, with a draft of 5 meters, “Fakhr 1” is equipped to accommodate a crew of 60 members.

Notably, “Fakhr 1” is designed using the latest global technology for marine unit operation systems that optimize fuel consumption. The unit operates under a DP2 system, enabling it to maintain position without the need for an anchor.

The welcoming ceremony for the oil services vessel was attended by Admiral Osama Rabie, Vice Chairman Ashraf Attwa, several board members and leaders of the authority, Engineer Abdel Hakim Zakaria (Director of Corporate Management), Engineer Ahmed Ibrahim (Chairman of Timsah Shipbuilding Company), Engineer Tarek Makharita (Chairman of Suez Canal Ship Connections and Lighting Company), and Engineer Ahmed Galal (Chairman of Al-Habal Company).

During the ceremony, Admiral Rabie emphasized that this vessel is the first of its kind in Egypt equipped to operate as a geo-survey exploration ship for marine drilling and oil exploration. This development supports Egypt’s efforts to expand its gas and oil discoveries by enhancing its fleet with units that utilize cutting-edge technology, ultimately achieving economic savings by reducing reliance on foreign-owned units.

Rabie noted that preparations for receiving “Fakhr 1” will begin with the presence of ABL English Consultants after equipping it with diving equipment, paving the way for raising its flag in the upcoming period.

The vessel will operate in Abu Redais in the Red Sea under a contract with Petrobel, a subsidiary of the General Petroleum Authority. It is expected to commence actual operations in July.

Admiral Rabie reiterated the authority’s commitment to enhancing its maritime fleet capabilities with various marine units and mentioned ongoing discussions to build a similar oil services vessel to “Fakhr 1” for oil exploration purposes.

On the sidelines of the event, Rabie took time to tour “Fakhr 1,” capturing memorable photos with its crew and company employees.

In light of Timsah Shipbuilding Company’s participation in the Nasr Floating Bridge Project No. 2, Admiral Rabie expressed his appreciation for all contributors to this project, commending their dedicated efforts in achieving this milestone efficiently and within a short timeframe.

He added that this phase represents reaping rewards after a period of hard work aimed at achieving ambitious strategic goals for diversifying income sources and introducing new services to increase profits for its subsidiary companies.

It is noteworthy that “Fakhr 1” is owned by a consortium comprising Timsah Shipbuilding Company, Suez Canal Ship Connections and Lighting Company, and Al-Habal Company. It is also recognized as the fourth vessel in Timsah’s operational fleet alongside vessels “Aman,” “Ahmed Fadl,” and “Badr.”.