Luxor Marine Services - Nile Paddle Steamer

When first located, this boat was thought to be the SS Niagara but later research proved that this assumption was incorrect. Research has now positively identified the boat as the Fostat.

The Fostat was originally a Thomas Cook cruise boat but was later sold to Mme Ferdous Zulfikar in 1962 when it was extensively rebuilt for use as accommodation for the staff of the University of California's Journal of Near Eastern Studies. There is then a gap in the information that we have but we do know that in 1990-1992 it was then again used for researchers' accommodation by the American Research Centre.

It is clear to see from the photographs which were taken in October 2009, that the boat has been very neglected and is in need of total restoration. However, the boat is full of history and is one of only a few stern-wheel paddle boats left on the River Nile. The boat was inspected again in 2010 and there has been little further deterioration.

The boat might not be large enough to be economically viable as a cruise boat battling in a modern cut-throat market because the number of its passengers would be limited but as the tourist profile for Luxor is moving up-market there is a growing demand for smaller more luxurious accommodation. This project would result in the buyer having one of the most interesting boats on the river and it certainly outshines many of the newer vessels that try to have a similar attraction. This could be viable for self-use, corporate charter, luxury cruises between Luxor and Aswan, or as a floating hotel when restored.

An alternative use would be as a day cruiser from Luxor or Aswan. Back in 1907 when the boat was built, it was allowed to carry 45 day passengers. There is nothing similar working in Upper Egypt as there are now only three working steam boats on the river and they travel between Luxor and Aswan on weekly cruises rather than on day trips along the river. Travelling to Dandera and back on a day cruise on an old paddle steamer could be both exciting for the tourist and profitable for the operator. Especially as the the tourist profile is about to be raised.