Egypt

South Red Sea Shipyard

It is not every day that one has the opportunity to visit a yacht-building facility in Egypt. While most shipyard visits tend to take place in Europe or Turkey, and increasingly in China, a trip to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4514" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="South Red Sea Shipyard (Company)">South Red Sea Shipyard</a> offered a chance to better understand the country’s domestic yacht-building and refit capabilities. This is particularly relevant in a regional context where discussions around yacht construction in the Middle East often focus on the UAE. Located around two kilometres south of the Port of Safaga, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4514" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="South Red Sea Shipyard (Company)">South Red Sea Shipyard</a> benefits from a naturally sheltered position between Safaga Island and the Red Sea Mountains. The yard is active across yacht construction and refit, alongside workboats and commercial vessels. Its yacht-building track record includes class-built deliveries such as the 29-metre motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11856" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Trojan 29.0m (95'2&quot;)South Red Sea Shipyard2000">Trojan</a> in 2000, followed by several further projects, most recently the 30.1-metre motor yachts <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13581" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Erada30.1m (98'9&quot;)South Red Sea Shipyard2022">Erada</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/13580" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nusr30.1m (98'9&quot;)South Red Sea Shipyard2022">Nusr</a>, delivered in 2022 for the Egyptian presidential office.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/387259/image/large-f8178e2e43ddf8e5bf1c97f8d401fe81.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/387259">During the visit, SuperYacht Times Features Writer Enrico Chhibber met with Ryad Eldogueshy, Head of the Yachting Department at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4514" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="South Red Sea Shipyard (Company)">South Red Sea Shipyard</a>, to discuss the yard’s development, the role of refit infrastructure in the Red Sea, and the outlook for yacht building in Egypt. The conversation also explored the yard’s recent interest in sportfishing models, alongside its upcoming projects and longer-term plans.From naval roots to yacht construction“While our core activity remains commercial vessels, we also maintain yacht-building capability, ranging from liveaboard vessels for the tourism market to class-built yachts for domestic owners, as well as yacht refits,” said Eldogueshy.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/387245/image/large-8b17c4f83fdfaabaabfd708eaebd25d8.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/387245">The Eldogueshy family traces its shipbuilding roots back to Egypt’s early naval development, with connections dating to the era of Muhammad Ali Pasha’s military fleet. The family’s industrial history is linked to workshops established in Alexandria in 1910, which later supported a range of national and regional projects, including the construction of the Saudi Coast Guard fleet in 1952 and Lake Nasser’s fishing fleet in 1962. Following the 1973 war, the workshops were also involved in rebuilding military equipment, reflecting the demands of the period.By 1980, the family had expanded into the leisure sector with the establishment of Hurghada Shipyard, serving private and tourism-related vessels. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4514" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="South Red Sea Shipyard (Company)">South Red Sea Shipyard</a> was subsequently founded in 1999 to meet growing demand, initially conceived as a dedicated base for yacht construction and maintenance.During a tour of the facility, Eldogueshy noted that the site originally covered 92,000 square metres. Since then, it has expanded to more than 250,000 square-metres and now supports a broader scope of construction, repair and refit work across multiple vessel types. “We try to manage as much of the supply chain in-house as possible,” he said. “Expanding our capabilities internally also helps us maintain greater control over pricing.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/298154/image/large-e77f5d02c00cbfdbcc2e7b52e4ba7db7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/298154">He pointed to dedicated production areas on site, including a 55,000 square-metre fibreglass (GRP) facility with separate zones for lamination, moulding and finishing, as well as a 42,000 square-metre metalworking hall for steel and aluminium fabrication.We then visited a 36.97-metre sportfisher yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8538" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fakhr36.97m (121'4&quot;)South Red Sea Shipyard2026">Fakr</a> built to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1457" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RINA (Company)">RINA</a> class standards, which was launched in November last year. The vessel is a sister ship to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8528" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="C.Omar37.0m (121'5&quot;)South Red Sea Shipyard2013">C. Omar</a>, delivered in 2013. During the tour onboard, Eldogueshy said the yard believes this type of yacht has potential in the domestic market, pointing to the popularity of sportfishing in the region and suggesting it could become a focus area for future projects.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/378100/image/large-8f3b8e02507c8b431c5ec694e2e58eba.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/378100"> The visit then moved to one of the hangars, a 5,000 square-metre space dedicated to series production of smaller yachts. The facility currently focuses primarily on 10 to 18-metre GRP motor yachts, while also accommodating aluminium and wood construction where required by the client. The layout and infrastructure, however, have been designed with flexibility in mind, allowing the yard to take on larger and more complex projects, including superyachts, as activity expands. At the time of the visit, three yachts were under construction. Nearby, a second hangar covering 6,000 square-metres is dedicated to refit activity.“Yacht building in Egypt has progressed in recent years,” Eldogueshy added. “The quality is improving, and the skill level of the workforce is getting stronger. We have also brought in Turkish specialists to support training and skills transfer in areas such as painting, carpentry and interior finishing, helping to raise in-house capabilities to international standards.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/330633/image/large-d220f78baaf0b10647a2733e66285526.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/330633">Why refit matters in the Red SeaWhile the Red Sea has begun to attract greater attention as a cruising region, driven in part by marina investment on both the Saudi and Egyptian coasts, its long-term viability as a yachting destination will also depend on the availability of technical support. Beyond berthing and hospitality, yachts require reliable access to repair and refit services, particularly given the distances involved and the limited alternatives once a yacht is in the region.Eldogueshy said this is where local infrastructure can play a decisive role. “If you want yachts to cruise here with confidence, they need to know they can be properly supported,” he said, pointing to the importance of having maintenance and repair capability available within the Red Sea itself.At <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4514" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="South Red Sea Shipyard (Company)">South Red Sea Shipyard</a>, that capability includes a 65,000 square-metre drydock area used for construction, repair and refit activity, alongside an 850-tonne travel lift supported by transport cars for moving vessels within the yard.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/387244/image/large-cf13403bbb7a63b28ceb0782cda3678d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/387244">Growth prioritiesWhile the yard’s core activity remains commercial work, Eldogueshy said <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4514" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="South Red Sea Shipyard (Company)">South Red Sea Shipyard</a> sees an opportunity to play a larger role in supporting the yachting sector, particularly by strengthening its refit offering. He noted that the yard already undertakes refit and maintenance work for internationally branded yachts transiting the Red Sea and calling at regional marinas, and that expanding capacity would allow it to compete more effectively for this traffic during the season.On the new-build side, Eldogueshy pointed to the fibreglass facility operated through a joint venture with the Suez Canal Authority under the name Suez Canal for Modern Boats (SCMB). While current activity is centred on GRP production, he said the site has been configured to accommodate larger yachts alongside this work, including future superyacht projects. The yard also plans to place greater emphasis on sportfisher construction, with further facility expansion already underway.Beyond local demand, Eldogueshy stressed that the yard’s longer-term objective is to serve an international client base, positioning itself on a cost-to-quality proposition rather than as a purely domestic supplier. Alongside these operational priorities, he revealed that the company is considering a rebrand. “We want to change the name from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4514" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="South Red Sea Shipyard (Company)">South Red Sea Shipyard</a> to Red Sea Shipyard,” he said, describing the move as part of a broader effort to sharpen the yard’s identity as it expands its yachting focus.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/387242/image/large-d5b6ca8b2f1e928107ce6469f5f17a2f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/387242">

Egypt’s growing yacht construction and refit capability

Inside South Red Sea Shipyard in Egypt, exploring its yacht building, refit capability and role in supporting the Red Sea as a yachting destination.

South Red Sea Shipyard: Egypt’s growing yacht construction and refit capability

Day 1 of the Gulf Superyacht Summit 2025

Day one of the Gulf Superyacht Summit drew to a close, with a variety of panels and workshops taking place throughout the day.

Everything you missed from Day 1 of the Gulf Superyacht Summit 2025

Topics and speakers announced for GSS 2025

SuperYacht Times is pleased to unveil the confirmed topics and speakers for this year’s summit.

Gulf Superyacht Summit 2025: Full Programme

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4514" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="South Red Sea Shipyard (Company)">South Red Sea Shipyard</a>, in partnership with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7490" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Suez Canal Authority (Company)">Suez Canal Authority</a>, has launched a 37-metre sportfisher yacht for the Suez Canal for Modern Boats Company.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/378100/image/large-8f3b8e02507c8b431c5ec694e2e58eba.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/378100">The company is a joint venture between the two entities and is developing several projects aimed at boosting marine tourism. The newly launched yacht is built to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1457" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RINA (Company)">RINA</a> class standards and features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/796" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fry Associates Inc. - Fryco (Company)">Fry Associates Inc</a> and interiors by Georges Vafiadis.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/378104/image/large-cd94ac2b3d529e9d4c19310119196142.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/378104">The yacht can accommodate up to 12 guests and eight crew members, including the captain. She is equipped with two hydraulic systems: a winch at the bow and a hydraulic swimming platform at the stern.Beyond this launch, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4514" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="South Red Sea Shipyard (Company)">South Red Sea Shipyard</a> is expanding its yacht manufacturing capabilities with new fibreglass production facilities in the Safaga industrial zone, supporting a broader programme to build yachts and leisure boats for tourism and transport.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/378103/image/large-7bbe28e6f702758e9a3155b14ea72f8b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/378103">Ryad El-Dogheishy, Head of the Yachting Department at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4514" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="South Red Sea Shipyard (Company)">South Red Sea Shipyard</a> and Board Member of the Suez Canal for Modern Boats Company, commented, “Construction has begun on an 18-metre yacht, with a fibreglass mould under development to enable serial production once the factory becomes fully operational. The company is also building two 17-metre leisure boats with a 15-passenger capacity for the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7490" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Suez Canal Authority (Company)">Suez Canal Authority</a>, as well as a 25-passenger Nile Taxi designed for river tourism.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/367050/image/large-2f87e1fd131f659cbec6cf96d4a919b7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/367050">Gulf Superyacht Summit 2025As the Middle East’s maritime sector continues to flourish, the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/events/gulf-superyacht-summit-2024" target="_blank">Gulf Superyacht Summit</a> will return in December to the region. The seventh edition of the two-day conference will take place on 4 and 5 December 2025 in Abu Dhabi and promises to draw on the experiences of the previous summits.The <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/events/gulf-superyacht-summit-2024" target="_blank">Gulf Superyacht Summit</a> seeks to inform, assist and advise yachting clients and related interested parties, with the goal to develop the Gulf as a superyacht winter destination. &nbsp;Tickets are available <a href="https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/gulf-superyacht-summit-2025-tickets-1393764560319" target="_blank">here</a>You can find out more about yachting in the Gulf region by <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/market-reports/gulf-superyacht-report-2024-2025" target="_blank">downloading the full Gulf Superyacht Report 2024-2025 here</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/349168/image/large-8445e5adef5d1c4fc32934bec670a6df.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/349168">

37m yacht launched in Egypt

South Red Sea Shipyard, in partnership with the Suez Canal Authority, has launched a 37m sportfisherman yacht.

South Red Sea Shipyard and Suez Canal Authority launch 37m sportfisher yacht

SuperYacht Times is pleased to announce that Ryad El Dogueshy, Manager of the Yachting and Service Boat Division and Board Member at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4514" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="South Red Sea Shipyard (Company)">South Red Sea Shipyard</a>, will speak at the upcoming <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/280" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gulf Superyacht Summit - 2025">Gulf Superyacht Summit 2025</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/374741/image/large-8514fc3a4a198154731b1c9e34e9d394.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/374741">Scheduled to take place on 4 and 5 of December at the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/280" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gulf Superyacht Summit - 2025">Gulf Superyacht Summit</a> brings together leading figures from across the yachting, tourism, and investment sectors. The event aims to inform, assist, and connect stakeholders, with the goal of advancing the Gulf’s growth as a prominent superyacht destination.Located on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4514" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="South Red Sea Shipyard (Company)">South Red Sea Shipyard</a> has built more than 24 vessels since 1999, including seven private yachts and two commissioned for the Egyptian Presidency (29-metre Nasr and Erada). The yard also specialises in dry docking and refit. In recent years, it has expanded its activities in the commercial sector, delivering 20 tugboats and 12 fishing vessels to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7490" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Suez Canal Authority (Company)">Suez Canal Authority</a>.The yard spans 250,000-square-metres and is equipped with a 600-tonne mechanical slipway and an 850-tonne travel lift for dry docking. In partnership with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7490" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Suez Canal Authority (Company)">Suez Canal Authority</a>, the shipyard is developing a 55,000 square-metre fibreglass factory within a free zone, designed to support yacht exports and provide tax incentives. The new facility, expected to be operational by January 2026, will produce vessels ranging from 10 to 40-metres.El Dogueshy will take part in the panel titled: Egypt’s Growing Role in the Red Sea, which will focus on the potential of Egypt’s yacht manufacturing sector and its contribution to the Gulf region’s wider maritime development.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/349168/image/large-b90119a14b7b205a61a6737ab2b994c2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/349168">

Ryad El Dogueshy of South Red Sea Shipyard announced as speaker at GSS 2025

SuperYacht Times is pleased to announce that Ryad El Dogueshy of South Red Sea Shipyard will speak at the upcoming Gulf Superyacht Summit 2025.

The world's largest sportfisher yachts

SYT presents a list of some of the largest sportfisher yachts in the fleet today.