Dubai: P&O Maritime Services has expanded into Egypt with a new contract to provide tug boat services to DP World Sokhna.

P&O Maritime Services supports governments and the private sector in markets globally, from Ireland to Antarctica, and is an Australia-based subsidiary of global port operator DP World.

It expanded into the Middle East in 2008, providing vital support at DP World's flagship Jebel Ali terminal and throughout the UAE region, including managing more than 20 vessels including tug boats, pilot boats and line boats.

P&O Maritime Services Chief Executive Officer Andrew King said: "We are delighted to support DP World Sokhna and Sokhna Port. The two harbour tugs we have brought in are amongst the most powerful harbour tugs working in Egypt at present. They both have firefighting capability and one is also equipped to handle oil spills, enhancing Sokhna Port's safety and environmental protection."

The contract is for three years, with three one-year extensions.