Maritime infrastructure: Work on 600-ton Maritime Patrol Vessel initiated

Ship fully equipped to enforce security, another two to be launched soon

KARACHI: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Ahsan Iqbal, on Tuesday, initiated the construction process of 600-ton ‘Maritime Patrol Vessel’ for Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW).

The Maritime Patrol Vessel is a state-of-the-art, multi-mission vessel with a steel hull and aluminium super structure.

“The construction of this vessel signifies the trust and confidence of the government reposed in the Karachi Shipyard,” said the KSEW Managing Director in his welcome address.

“This ship will be fully equipped to enforce maritime security, search and rescue missions in maritime exclusive economic zones of Pakistan.”

“This year KSEW would launch another two ships and begin projects for three new ones,” he added.  Iqbal, the chief guest at the occasion, said the induction of MPVs would go a long way in protecting the national sovereignty and safeguarding rich natural resources of the area. “The government is committed to developing maritime infrastructure along the coast to prepare for trade expansion.”

Iqbal congratulated the Karachi Shipyard and China Shipbuilding Trading Company (CSTC) for the timely achievement of this construction milestone, and said the project would fulfil the need of upgrading the aging fleet of PMSA.

Moreover, he appreciated the KSEW on being awarded the contract for four new generation AIP submarines and termed it a “landmark achievement”.

Referring to the upcoming development in the maritime sector, he said the ship lift and transfer system would further enhance the capacity of KSEW, whereby the repair of 13 ships would be possible at one time. “KSEW is the only shipyard in the country which provides the facility of indigenous shipbuilding and repairs,” he added.

Iqbal also assured his continuous support for Karachi Shipyard in upgrading and maintaining its infrastructure and making Pakistan a leading shipbuilding country in the region.

“With the acceptance of Pakistan’s claim by the United Nations for extension of its continental shelf, its sea-bed territory has been increased by 50,000 sq km, taking it to 290,000 sq km,” he informed the gathering. “Now this sea area is larger than that of the combined area of Sindh and Khyber-Pakhtunkwa.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, May 4^th, 2016.

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