The first week of March 2026 marked a major milestone for us with the ceremonial launch of the EIS-1, a 250-ton barge developed as part of our logistics capabilities, into the River Nile.
This achievement is the result of months of focused engineering development, technical coordination, and disciplined project execution. The vessel is part of our broader commitment to strengthening reliable river transport, ensuring the efficient delivery of essential supplies in complex environments.
Purpose-built for performance and resilience, the EIS-1 is designed to transport up to 250 tons of food supplies and critical cargo. The barge is equipped with six crew bedrooms, a galley, lounge, and fully integrated communications systems. Its operational reliability is reinforced by redundant generator systems and twin 350HP diesel marine engines, ensuring consistent performance under demanding conditions. The vessel will be operated by a crew of six.
Steel fabrication was completed and delivered in November 2025, allowing construction and assembly to progress according to schedule. The successful air-bag launch into the River Nile marked a proud moment for the project team, reflecting the precision engineering and rigorous supervision applied throughout the build process.
The inauguration brought together ES-KO leadership, including Steven Sager, General Manager South Sudan; David McDougall, Operations Manager; Yousif Mohamed, Transport Operations Manager; and Danny Quia, Maintenance Manager.
In total, approximately 65 engineering and site personnel contributed to the development of the barge, from fabrication through to final integration—demonstrating strong coordination, technical expertise, and commitment across teams.
Steven Sager expressed his appreciation for the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by all teams involved, noting that the successful launch reflects both operational excellence and ES-KO’s growing capabilities in delivering large-scale, integrated solutions.
The ceremony concluded with a blessing for the vessel, symbolizing safe operations and continued reliability.
