Ministry of Transportation: Investment of approximately NIS 100 million in advanced marine equipment
Following the cancellation of the agreement with a shipyard in Turkey as part of the Turkish boycott of Israel, the Israel Ports Company, through Haifa Maritime Transport Company, signed a new agreement with the MTG DOLPHIN shipyard in Varna, Bulgaria. As part of the agreement, two advanced tugboats will be purchased at a total cost of approximately 100 million shekels.
The new tugs are expected to replace two of the four older tugs currently operating at the Port of Haifa, and enter service towards the end of 2026. The planning phase will end this October, after which the production phase will begin at the shipyard.
Advanced technology and unprecedented traction
The tugs will be equipped with the latest generation Rotor Tug technology, with a pulling capacity of 85 tons bollard pull, the highest in Israel today. They will join the tug "Almog", a VECTRA model, which was purchased for approximately 12.5 million euros and arrived in Israel last April. "Almog" is already operating in the ports of Ashdod and the South, with a pulling capacity of 73 tons.
Not giving in to boycotts – strengthening the ants
Minister of Transportation and Road Safety, Brigadier General (resp.) Miri Regev, said: "Israeli ports are the gateway to the Israeli economy. Our decision to replace the Turkish shipyard with a friendly shipyard in Bulgaria is an expression of a clear policy: We will not give in to boycotts, but will continue to ensure the strengthening of the ports, the continuity of service and the independence of the State of Israel's operations. We are investing in the world's most advanced maritime equipment to provide high-quality, efficient and safe service to vessels visiting Israel."
Preparing for congestion: Ministry of Transportation invests in maritime innovation
Director General of the Ministry of Transportation, Moshe Ben Zaken, emphasized the importance of preparing for the expected loads: "The new tugboats are an integral part of our preparations for the coming years. We are working determinedly to provide Israel's ports with the most advanced technological tools to deal with the constant increase in the volume of maritime traffic. The Ministry of Transportation will continue to lead innovation and efficiency in all areas of activity at sea, not just on land."
A significant step in the face of geopolitical challenges
Chairman of the Israel Ports Company, Hezi Halavia, He noted that the choice of the Bulgarian shipyard expresses a commitment to the operational independence of the ports: "The addition of the new tugs is another significant step in strengthening the maritime service system of the State of Israel. Choosing a shipyard in Bulgaria is an expression of our commitment to ensuring the operational independence of the ports, even in the face of geopolitical challenges. We will continue to invest in the most advanced equipment to provide efficient, reliable and safe service to the giant ships that call at Israeli ports."
Ensuring continuity of maritime service
CEO of the Israel Ports Company, Pinchas Tzruya, concluded: "Preparing for the expected loads in the ports requires us to equip ourselves with the best equipment and technology available today. The signing with the shipyard in Bulgaria, as an alternative to the Turkish shipyard, ensures the continuity of maritime service and gives us the ability to provide the best response to the growing demands in Israeli ports."
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