Fifth Tugboat Launched to Operate in Ashdod and South Port

The launch ceremony of the new tugboat 'Almog', set to operate in the ports of Ashdod and the South Port, took place yesterday. The event was attended by the Minister of Transportation Miri Regev, CEO of the Ministry of Transportation and Road Safety, Moshe Ben Zaken, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Israel Ports Company, Hazi Halevy, and CEO of Israel Ports Company, Pinchas Tzuriya.

The tugboat 'Almog' is considered one of the most advanced of its kind in the world. It is the fifth tugboat to join the fleet operating in the ports of Ashdod and the South, expected to significantly ease the congestion in the movement of cargo ships to Israel.

The purchase of the new tugboat is part of the overall preparations of the Ministry of Transportation and Israel Ports Company for the expected congestion in maritime transport to Israel. The new tugboat has a Bollard Pull of 73 tons and was purchased at a cost of approximately 12.5 million euros.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev stated that the purchase of the new tugboat is great news for the ports of Ashdod and the South, and for the entire Israeli economy. The expansion of the tugboat fleet is designed to support the port revolution led by the Ministry, through an innovative and efficient order that will streamline and shorten the handling of import goods, thus contributing to strengthening the economy and reducing the cost of living.

CEO of the Ministry of Transportation and Road Safety, Moshe Ben Zaken, said that Israel's ports are the main gateway for goods to our country, with 99% of the volume of imported goods passing through them. Under the leadership of Transportation Minister Regev, the ports are undergoing processes of efficiency, technological advancement, and increased competition, in order to fulfill their vital role in the supply chain of the Israeli economy. The addition of the advanced tugboat 'Almog' to the tugboat fleet of the ports of Ashdod and the South is an important step in improving the ongoing operation of the ports, which will ease the movement of the giant ships that visit our country, and its contribution will be felt by every Israeli consumer.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Israel Ports Company, Hazi Halevy, said that the purchase of the tugboat is another step that Israel Ports Company is leading, which will contribute to the entire Israeli economy. We are committed to improving and promoting national infrastructures, and using the most advanced equipment in the world that will improve and streamline trade activity in Israel.

CEO of Israel Ports Company, Pinchas Tzuriya, said that activity in the ports and the movement of cargo ships to Israel are expected to intensify in the near future, and the new tugboat will be a critical tool in managing the movement of cargo ships. 'Almog' will complete the tugboat fleet in the ports and will help us to reduce waiting times for entry and exit to the port.