Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, Nov 04: To boost the crucial shipping sector of these islands, the Directorate of Shipping Services has fast tracked all proposals on new acquisition of vessels.
Speaking to Andaman Sheekha recently, the Director of Shipping Services, Capt. Rajinder Kumar informed that the Department is well sentient of the importance of the lifeline of the islanders. Besides striving to improve the operational capability of the existing Shipping fleet, best of efforts are underway to procure new ships, both for the mainland and inter-island sectors, Capt. Kumar said.
“The Ministry of Shipping has already approved construction of four passenger vessels at Cochin Shipyard under the Make in India plan. Two 1200 pax capacity vessels for the mainland sector and two 500 pax vessels will be constructed at Cochin Shipyard and the delivery of these vessels are expected within the next four years.”
For acquisition of smaller vessels for the fore-shore sector, tender procedures for purchase of 10 smaller vessels are currently underway. The Administration has already ordered SFCs for the purchase of smaller vessels like Harbour Craft and contracts are expected to be signed soon. The 10 smaller vessels are expected to be delivered within a period of 18 months after the execution of the contract, the Director informed.
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