Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) on Friday laid the keel for an ocean-going ferry to the north west which is being funded by India.
The keel was laid in Kolkata, India and the ceremony was witnessed by a number of local officials including, Stephen Thomas, Director-General of the Maritime Administration Department. A release from the Ministry of Public Works said that the 70m-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.
On January 13 this year, the Transport and Harbours Department signed a US$12.7M contract with the Indian company to commence the construction of the ocean-going passenger and cargo ferry for the North West District and other parts of the country. The signing marked the end of a years-long delay in the major project.
The ministry release said that the ship has been fully designed by the GRSE design teams and can accommodate 294 passengers (including 14 crew members) along with 14 cars, two trucks and 14 containers & cargo.
