Cairo: SiltaNews – News Desk
Egypt and Japan signed a USD 22 million (EGP 1 billion) grant agreement through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to finance the construction of the first Dive Support Vessel (DSV) for the Suez Canal Authority. According to a statement issued by the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), the agreement was witnessed by Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, and Lieutenant General Osama Rabie, Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, alongside Japanese representatives.
The project reflects the depth of Egyptian-Japanese cooperation and aims to enhance navigational safety, emergency response, and marine rescue capabilities in the Suez Canal, which facilitates around 12% of global trade. The environmentally friendly vessel will be built in Japan using advanced technology and will strengthen the canal’s operational efficiency, safety, and strategic global position. The vessel measures 45 meters in length, 10 meters in width, with a draft of 4.5 meters and a total displacement of 620 tons.
It has a maximum speed of 12 knots and accommodation capacity for 29 personnel. Construction will take place entirely in Japan using advanced technologies, under the supervision of the Japanese engineering and construction company NK, and in compliance with Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) requirements. It is worth noting that the exchange of letters related to this grant was signed last August between the Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation and the Ambassador of Japan to Egypt.