Collab: GRSE and SMP Kolkata inaugurate GRSE Khidderpore Dry Dock Unit

Kolkata: Defence PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) and Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMP Kolkata) jointly inaugurated the GRSE-KPDD (Khidderpore Dry Dock) Unit here in Kolkata on Wednesday. The facility has been developed as per the Concession Agreement signed between GRSE and SMP Kolkata on October 07, 2021, towards the development & utilisation of three existing dry docks of Khidderpore. GRSE Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) Rear Admiral VK Saxena, SMP Kolkata's Chairman Vinit Kumar (IRSEE) and senior officials of GRSE & SMP Kolkata were present at the inauguration.

Under the agreement, both GRSE and SMP Kolkata shall look forward to developing a dynamic partnership in exploring new business opportunities in Ship repair & refit of Defence & commercial segments, leading to revenue generation and contributing to skill development, infrastructure upgrade and employment generation in Kolkata.

Speaking to the media CMD Saxena said, "As part of the investment promotional activity of maritime India, this agreement aims to play a significant role towards growth plans for both the organisations and effective utilisation of the three existing docks at SMP, Kolkata. The close proximity of GRSE with SMPK is an enhancer to the successful take-off of this project as approximately 400 vessels operating in the Hooghly River and on the Indo-Bangladesh shipping route. Also, authorities handling smaller vessels may prefer to have dry docks in close proximity to their operational area. GRSE's proven expertise in carrying out construction, conversion and repair of over 4000 Naval & Merchant vessels during Second World War and building 788 platforms including 107 warships till date are the testimonies to the success of this new collaboration."

While SMP Kolkata chairman Vinit Kumar said, "This collaboration between GRSE and SMPK aims to provide prospects for ship repair business in the eastern region considering a large number of inland vessels operating in this shipping route. This alliance also shapes new dimensions towards revenue generation, development and perennial relationship with SMPK and GRSE's expertise in the shipbuilding and design arena gives it an edge over other players in the industry.

The project envisages upgrading, operating and managing the infrastructural facilities at these docks towards their effective utilization.

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