Egypt has awarded Düsseldorf based ThyssenKrupp Mannex GmbH a major contract for the exclusive supply of 15,000 tonnes of various grades of steel plate, sheet and sections to be used in the construction of 24 new freighters. The prime contractor is Egypt's National River Transportation Company.

Over the years ahead NRTC will be tripling its current fleet of 31 vessels to 92. These new container compatible ships will then each have a capacity of 1,600 tonnes. The shipbuilders and hence direct recipients of the shipments are Alexandria Shipyards and Arab Contractors Shipyards in Helwan. ThyssenKrupp Mannex package covers alongside the actual steel, also consultancy and logistics services.

As the nation's lifeline and prompted by the government assisted by both public and private sector initiatives, the Nile is set to regain its status as the nation's foremost transport route. Four main inland waterways presently link the capital Cairo with Alexandria, Damietta and Asyut Aswan as well as the Sudan. Egypt's inland waterways are currently enjoying a renaissance.

ThyssenKrupp Mannex is presently engaged in talks on follow up orders.