States »EasPosted at: Aug 7 2021 4:49PM

State Owned GRSE commences production of Ocean Going Passenger cum Cargo Ferry for Guyana

Kolkata, Aug 7 (UNI) Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd., (GRSE) has achieved
another major milestone, when the government owned company began production of the
Ocean Going Passenger cum Cargo Ferry Vessel, being constructed for the Republic of
Guyana.
The Plate Cutting e-ceremony was held in the presence of the High Commissioner of
Govt. of Co-Operative Republic of Guyana Charrandass Persaud and Rear Admiral VK
Saxena, IN (Retd), Chairman & Managing Director, GRSE on here on Friday.
GRSE bagged the order for the vessel on competitive bidding, and the contract was
signed with the Transport and Harbours Department of Govt. of Guyana on January 21,
2021.
Plate cutting signified successful completion of pre-production activities and the same
has been achieved amidst the Covid pandemic with its share of lockdowns and restrictions.
The 70 M long, 1700 tonnes vessel will be propelled by 02 Caterpillar Engines and Twin
Disc Gear Boxes to achieve a maximum speed of 15 Knots. This fuel efficient vessel has
been designed for carrying passengers and cargo in the coastal and riverine area of
Northwest District of Guyana. The ship is designed to carry 276 passengers and 14 crew
members along with 14 cars, 02 trucks, 10 containers and 04 refrigerated containers.
Charrandass Persaud said, “This project is a distinct initiative for the Government of
Guyana aimed at smart transportation of passengers and cargo. This vessel will create
a new benchmark in the field of passenger and cargo movement for Northwest District
of Guyana.”
Rear Admiral VK Saxena, IN (Retd), CMD, GRSE stated that GRSE was proud to
construct this vessel for the Guyana Government, thereby contributing towards friendly
bilateral relations between the two nations.
GRSE was the first Indian shipyard to export a warship, an OPV to Government of
Mauritius in 2015.
The shipyard delivered a Fast Patrol Vessel to Government of Seychelles this year
and also bagged a contract from Bangladesh for six patrol boats, again on competitive
bidding.
The shipyard is currently executing five shipbuilding projects including three Advanced
Stealth Frigates under Project 17A, four Survey Vessels (Large) and eight Anti-Submarine
Warfare Shallow Water Crafts for the Indian Navy and one Fast Patrol Vessel for the Indian
Coast Guard, apart from this export ship under construction for Guyana.
UNI PC BM