Cooperative Republic of Guyana accepts GRSE built ocean-going passenger cum cargo ferry vessel

New Delhi: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Limited and Transport & Harbours Department (T&HD), Cooperative Republic of Guyana have signed the 'technical acceptance' document of the Ocean-Going Passenger & Cargo Ferry Vessel designed and built by GRSE. The technical acceptance has been signed by GRSE's Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) Cmde PR Hari and Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD), Guyana Yurlander Hughes at Kolkata in the presence of officials from GRSE, Ministry of Public Works, Govt of Guyana and Ministry of External Affairs, Govt of India. The vessel shall now be transported to Guyana for the final delivery.

GRSE and T&HD, Government of Guyana had signed the contract for the construction of the Ocean-Going Vessel on Januaury 13, 2021. The shipyard bagged this prestigious export contract through competitive bidding. The design incorporates enhanced safety and operational features. The ship was launched on January 15 by Joan Edghill the spouse of Bishop Juan Anthony Edghill, Minister of Public Works, the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and within six months GRSE has achieved the 'Technical Acceptance' of the vessel.

This 70-meter-long vessel with a displacement of 1700 Tonnes is propelled by two diesel engines and twin disc Gear Boxes to achieve a maximum speed of 15 Knots. The ship has been designed by the GRSE in-house design team and can accommodate 294 passengers (including 14 crew members) along with 14 cars, two trucks, and 14 containers and cargo. The vessel shall operate in the coastal and riverine area of the northwest district of Guyana. The Indian-built vessel plying in Guyana would herald in better ties between the two nations.

Speaking on the occasion, Yurlander Hughes expressed satisfaction over the execution of the project by GRSE as per specifications and within timelines.

Addressing the gathering, Cmde Hari reiterated the role of the Indian High Commission in Guyana in ensuring the fructification of the project. He lauded the support from the officials of the T&HD Guyana in providing prompt clearances for ensuring the smooth progress of work in India. The CMD also conveyed his appreciation to the production partners, OEMs and Classification Agency ABS for their unstinted support in the timely execution of the project.

GRSE is currently executing seven shipbuilding projects including three Advanced Frigates under Project 17A, four Survey Vessels (Large) & eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts for the Indian Navy, one Fast Patrol Vessel for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and next-generation electric ferry for the government of West Bengal.

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