Kolkata. 07 August 2021. Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd., (GRSE), Kolkata, achieved another major milestone today, when they started 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 august presence of His Excellency, Shri Charrandass Persaud, Hon’ble High Commissioner of Govt. of Co-Operative Republic of Guyana. Rear Admiral VK Saxena, IN (Retd), Chairman & Managing Director, GRSE, Cmde S Nayyar, IN (Retd.), Director (Shipbuilding), Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd.), Director (Personnel), Shri R K Dash, Director (Finance) and senior officials of GRSE were present at the occasion.
GRSE bagged the order for this vessel on competitive bidding, and the Contract was signed with the Transport and Harbours Department of Govt. of Guyana, on 13 Jan 2021. Plate cutting signifies successful completion of pre-production activities and the same has been achieved amidst the Covid pandemic with its share of lockdowns & 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 & cargo in the coastal and riverine area of Northwest District of Guyana. The ship is designed to carry 276 passengers & 14 crew members along with 14 cars, 02 trucks, 10 containers and 04 refrigerated containers.
His Excellency Mr. Charrandass Persaud, Hon’ble High Commissioner of Govt. of Co-Operative Republic of Guyana, in his address said, “This project is a distinct initiative for 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 is 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) & 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.
