New Delhi/Kolkata: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) has begun the production of the 'Ocean-Going Passenger cum Cargo Ferry Vessel' on Saturday. The vessel is being constructed for the Republic of Guyana. The Plate Cutting e-ceremony was held in the presence of the High Commissioner of Govt. of Co-Operative Republic of Guyana Charrandass Persaud. GRSE's Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) Rear Admiral VK Saxena, Director (Shipbuilding) Cmde S Nayyar, Director (Personnel) Cmde PR Hari, Director (Finance) RK Dash and senior officials of GRSE were present at the occasion.
GRSE bagged the order for this vessel on competitive bidding, and the contract was signed with the transport and Harbours Department of Govt. of Guyana, on January 13. The Plate cutting signifies the successful completion of pre-production activities and the same has been achieved amidst the COVID-19 pandemic with its share of lockdowns & restrictions.
The 70 M long, 1,700 Tonnes vessel will be propelled by 02 Caterpillar Engines and Twin Disc Gear Boxes to achieve a maximum speed of 15 Knots. This fuel-efficient vessel has been designed for carrying passengers and cargo in the coastal and riverine areas of the Northwest District of Guyana. The ship is designed to carry 276 passengers and 14 crew members along with 14 cars, 2 trucks, 10 containers and 4 refrigerated containers.
Persaud in his address said, "This project is a distinct initiative for the government of Guyana aimed at smart transportation of passengers and cargo. This vessel will create a new benchmark in the field of passenger and cargo movement for Northwest District of Guyana."
While GRSE CMD stated that we are proud to construct this vessel for the Guyana Government, thereby contributing towards friendly bilateral relations between the two nations.
GRSE was the First Indian Shipyard to export a warship, an OPV to the government of Mauritius in 2015. The shipyard delivered a Fast Patrol Vessel to the government of Seychelles this year and also bagged a contract from Bangladesh for six patrol boats, again on competitive bidding.
The shipyard is currently executing five shipbuilding projects including three Advanced Stealth Frigates under Project 17A, four Survey Vessels (Large) & eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts for the Indian Navy and one Fast Patrol Vessel for the Indian Coast Guard, apart from this export ship under construction for Guyana.
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