In a landmark maritime engineering feat, Egypt launched the fully refurbished floating hotel Eugénie back into the Nile waters in Aswan, during a high-profile event attended by the ambassadors of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The floating hotel, Eugénie, measures 72 meters in length and 13 meters in width, with a total weight of 1,600 tons. The vessel underwent extensive restoration by the Port Said Engineering & Marine Construction Company, a key player in Egypt’s industrial marine sector.
Comprehensive Overhaul with International Oversight
The maintenance works were conducted under the supervision of the Polish Classification Society, ensuring compliance with international maritime standards. The extensive refurbishment included:
- Replacement of 30 tons of corroded steel structures
- Hull maintenance and structural integrity checks
- Upcoming completion of electrical and mechanical systems
- Waterproofing of the engine room
- Overhaul of deck machinery and cranes
- Final stages of superstructure painting and finishing
The engineering operations followed cutting-edge methodologies, notably the use of airbag lifting technology, a modern technique for floating hotel launch and retrieval. These operations were carried out in full compliance with national and international safety protocols, under the supervision of the Faculty of Engineering at Alexandria University and with the endorsement of the Nile River Transport Authority.
A Boost for Nile Tourism and Regional Diplomacy
The presence of East African envoys at the launch underscores Egypt’s intent to position itself not only as a regional tourism hub but also as a center of excellence in engineering and infrastructure cooperation with African partners.
The floating hotel Eugénie, once fully operational, is expected to contribute significantly to luxury Nile cruises, aligning with Egypt’s broader tourism development strategy and economic diversification plans.
