New Delhi: Ship production activities at premier Defence Shipyard, Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) have been re-started with effect from May 4, the defence PSU said on Friday. GSL has resumed production activities after coming to a complete halt on March 22, due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown, imposed by the state & central government to prevent the spread of Coronavirus epidemic. Before resuming production activities, GSL has taken various measures as per the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines to minimize the risk of spread of COVID-19 in the yard.

The production activities are gradually picking up the pace and the manpower strength is being increased in a phased manner. All the personnel are being screened at the entry gates by the health wardens deputed by the company. Compulsory use of the mask is being enforced and vehicles are being sanitized before entry to the yard. Further, a large number of hands-free sanitizer dispensing units have been placed at various locations and personnel are encouraged to use them frequently.

Social distancing norms are being strictly adhered to inside the yard. The company has started working in two shifts to eliminate crowding at the workplace. No visitors are being permitted inside the yard and all meetings etc are being held through virtual modes. Due to GSL's inherent strength in working on ERP based system, the shipyard has quickly adapted to paperless working. The shipyard has arranged transportation of its workers from various parts of Goa and has discontinued canteen services for time being.

At present, GSL is executing important projects for Indian Navy, Coast Guard and other customers, which are in various stages of completion. The current COVID-19 situation has affected the supply chain and availability of OEMs from other states; however, GSL is confident to overcome the constraints by taking various innovative measures to meet the stringent project timelines.