Suez Canal Authority Chairperson Osama Rabie on Saturday inspected the newly acquired marine crane “CC,” the first of several planned additions to the agency’s maritime fleet.
The crane, supplied by Kased Khair for General Supplies and Contracting Company, represents the initial phase of a partnership aimed at dredging, construction, and marine unit supply.
Rabie toured the crane’s deck, main cranes, control room, living quarters, and engine rooms. The vessel boasts a total lifting capacity of 2,200 tons, achieved through four main cranes, each capable of lifting 550 tons. Two auxiliary cranes, with a 200-ton capacity each, complement the equipment.
The Suez Canal Authority is executing a strategy to expand and modernise its maritime fleet, Rabie said. This includes building new vessels at its own shipyards, collaborating with international shipyards, and acquiring existing marine units.
The authority plans to broaden the scope of its marine units’ operations beyond the canal to encompass ports and shipyards in the region, Rabie explained. This diversification strategy is exemplified by the partnership with Kased Khair, which is expected to be finalised soon.
Rabie emphasised that the “CC” crane’s lifting capacity surpasses that of the authority’s existing cranes, making it a valuable asset for rescue and emergency operations.
Constructed at the GUESUNG TECH shipyard in South Korea, the “CC” crane measures 90 metres long, and 45 metres wide, with a depth of seven metres and a draft of five metres.
The Suez Canal Authority already owns two marine rescue cranes, “Rescue 1” and “Rescue 2,” each 60.9 metres long and 26.6 metres wide, with a 500-ton load capacity. These vessels are used for lifting and lowering marine units, salvage operations, and port cleaning.
