The German naval shipbuilder NVL, part of the Lürssen Group, has begun the production phase for ten new coastal defense vessels for the Egyptian Navy. The newbuilds are being constructed through a local partnership in Egypt.
According to NVL, production of the PV43-M program has commenced on schedule via its subsidiary NVL Egypt. The company, established in 2022 as a joint venture between NVL, Abu Qir Ports Construction & Management Company (APCM), and Magnom Industries, supports Egypt’s ambitions to build a sovereign and independent maritime industry.
The 43-meter vessels are designed for surveillance, reconnaissance, and the protection of critical maritime infrastructure. Construction will take place in cooperation with Alexandria Shipyard. The order for the ten units was placed in 2023.
NVL emphasized that the program marks “a strategic milestone in strengthening Egypt’s naval forces,” as the vessels will be built entirely in Egypt with local partners and supported technically by the German parent company.
Through international subsidiaries, NVL hopes to gain better access to orders for naval projects in the regions concerned. In addition to NVL Egypt, the company is also represented in Croatia, Singapore, Bulgaria and Brunei. NVL will soon have a new owner: The Lürssen Group has agreed on a sale with the Rheinmetall defense group. The approval process is underway, with completion expected in early 2026.
Maged Marie, Managing Director of NVL Egypt, sees the PV43-M construction program as a starting point to further advance the capabilities of the Egyptian shipbuilding industry and continue the development of new and innovative projects.
“The program will strengthen the local naval industry and pave the way for new international projects in close cooperation with the Egyptian Navy,” added Tim Wagner, CEO of NVL, adding: “We are proud of the trust that the Egyptian government and the Egyptian Navy have placed in NVL Egypt to implement this important national project. To support the Navy, our role will go beyond shipbuilding – it can extend to ensuring long-term operational readiness through maintenance services, spare parts supply, training and technical support.”
