KOCHI: The third dry dock at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) will enable it to construct large vessels, including the second indigenous aircraft carrier, for the Indian Navy. The 310-metres-long dry dock will be one of the largest dry docks in the country.
CSL is currently manufacturing INS Vikrant for the Navy. “Our vision is to turn Kochi as the hub of the shipping industry in India. With the new facility, we can substantially increase the shipbuilding operations here. There will be immense socio-economic development and lead to the growth of the manufacturing sector. The initiate will provide 2,000 direct employment opportunity,” Madhu Nair, CMD, CSL said.
The estimated cost of the total dry dock is Rs 1,700 crore. The dry dock is being constructed at the northern end of the shipyard. The new dock will have a length of 310 m, stepped dock with a width of 75 m at the wider part and 60 m at the narrower part. The depth will be 13 m and a drought of 9.5 m. Currently, CSL has two dry dock facilities. The construction is estimated to be completed in two years.
“With the new dry dock, CSL can build ships of 2,00,000 deadweight tonnes. CSL can manufacture aircraft carriers, LNG vessels, jack-up rigs, drill ships and dredgers. The work for International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) at Wellington is taking place. A fund of Rs 970 crore is utilised for the construction of ISRF,” Madhu Nair said.
K V Thomas MP said the Union Government should assign the construction of Navy vessels to CSL. “With the new investment made at CSL, we request the Central Government should provide more shipbuilding works to CSL. All the Navy vessels can be constructed at CSL facility,” he said.