Israel has signed a strategic agreement with the Bulgarian shipyard MTG Dolphin in Varna for the construction of two high-tech port tugboats. The order, placed by Israel Ports Company through “Marine Transport – Haifa,” is valued at approximately 100 million shekels and comes after the cancellation of a previous agreement with a Turkish shipyard as part of Turkey’s boycott against Israel.
What the contract includes
- Two new tugboats, intended to replace two of the oldest units in the Haifa Port fleet.
- Latest-generation Rotor Tug technology for maximum maneuverability and safety.
- 85 t bollard pull – the highest capacity used in Israel so far.
Timeline and stages
The design phase is expected to be completed by October 2025, after which production at the Varna shipyard will begin. The two tugboats are scheduled to be delivered and put into service by the end of 2026.
Context and significance
The deal is both an operational and a political move. On the one hand, it strengthens Israel’s port service infrastructure amid the sustained increase of mega-ships calling at Israeli ports. On the other, it shows a shift toward a European partner and reduces dependence on Turkish supply chains.
Statements from officials
Minister of Transport and Road Safety Miri Regev: “Israel’s ports are the gateway to our economy. The decision to replace the Turkish shipyard with a friendly one in Bulgaria is a clear policy: we will not yield to boycotts, but will guarantee strength, continuity, and independence of our ports.”
Director General of the Ministry Moshe Ben Zaken emphasized that the new vessels are part of preparations for increasing traffic and for introducing cutting-edge technologies in the maritime sector.
Chairman of Israel Ports Company Hazi Haluya and CEO Pinhas Tsuria described the choice of the Bulgarian shipyard as key to ensuring the operational independence of Israel’s ports in the face of geopolitical challenges.
The Bulgarian footprint
MTG Dolphin, based in Varna, has many years of experience in shipbuilding and repair, as well as successful cooperation with Israeli partners. The project further strengthens Bulgaria’s role as a reliable European partner in the strategic maritime sector.
What’s next for the fleet
The new tugboats will join “Almog” – a VECTRA model tugboat with a 73 t bollard pull, which arrived in Israel in April 2025 and is already part of the fleet serving the ports of Ashdod and the southern region.
Summary
The order placed with MTG Dolphin is a pragmatic response to political risk and Israel’s logistical needs. It strengthens the economic ties between Bulgaria and Israel and adds capacity to handle the largest commercial vessels in the Eastern Mediterranean.