Ships for Egyptian Navy christened at VT Halter

PASCAGOULA — Dedication ceremonies have been held at VT Halter Marine in Pascagoula for the first of four fast missile ships being built for Egyptian navy.

It’s named after the former commander in chief of the Egyptian navy, Soliman Ezzat.

The Egyptian navy will use the vessels to patrol and defend its coastal waterways of the Red Sea, Mediterranean Sea and, in particular, the Suez Canal.

The craft is designed to perform coastal patrol, surveillance, interdiction, surface strike and naval battle group support. It can carry a crew of up to 40.

VT Halter officials say the ship is on track for a late 2012 delivery. The four-vessel contract is valued at $807 million.