DP World's P&O Maritime Services expands into Egypt

Dubai Ports World's P&O Maritime Services, which owns and operates a specialist vessel fleet, has expanded into Egypt with a new contract to provide tug boat services to DP World Sokhna.

P&O Maritime Services, which caters to the global market - both government and the private - is a wholly owned, Australia-based subsidiary of global port operator DP World.

The specialist vessel services, which expanded into the Middle East in 2008, providing vital support at DP World's flagship Jebel Ali terminal and throughout the UAE region, now manages over 20 vessels, including tug boats, pilot boats and line boats, DP Ports World said in a release.

"We are delighted to support DP World Sokhna and Sokhna Port. The two harbour tugs we have brought in are amongst the most powerful harbour tugs working in Egypt at present. They both have fire fighting capability and one is also equipped to handle oil spills, enhancing Sokhna Port's safety and environmental protection," P&O Maritime Services chief executive Andrew King said.

"The additional level of service we can offer our customers with these new tugs will contribute positively to their efficiency, saving them time and money. P&O Maritime Services 50 years' of international experience will be invaluable in contributing to the further growth and development of the facilities at Sokhna over time," DP World Sokhna chairman Captain Ossama Al-Sharif said.

The contract is for three years, with provision for 1-year extensions, the release added.