Keel laying ceremony of Pakistan Navy Tug held at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works

Karachi, May 29, 2013 (PPI-OT): The keel laying ceremony of a 32 Tons Bollard Pull Tug, being indigenously built for Pakistan Navy, was held at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works here today. Secretary Defence Lieutenant General (Retired) Asif Yasin Malik was the chief guest on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest said that in order to meet the contemporary challenges, growth plan of the Armed Forces has always been the top priority of the Government. This also encompasses replacement of existing old ships and crafts with new ones for Pakistan Navy.

In this regard, he continued, our focal point for self-reliance and indigenization is Karachi Shipyard. He said that this approach will not only ensure timely availability of required vessels for Pakistan Navy but also go a long way in consolidating the shipbuilding capability of Karachi Shipyard.

The chief guest further said that in today’s commercial world, competition is fierce and only those can survive and flourish who meet the challenges of rapidly changing technologies with quality and commitment. He said that it is satisfying to note that Karachi Shipyard has embarked on the path of progress in line with the modern developments which would Insha Allah lead towards complete self-reliance in the field of shipbuilding.

Earlier in his welcome address Rear Admiral Hassan Nasir Shah, Managing Director Karachi Shipyard, highlighted salient features of the tug under construction. He apprised the audience that the tug has a 34 meter overall length with a displacement of 481 tons. It has a maximum speed of 12 knots and propelled by two diesel engines and two Azimuth thrusters.

The ceremony was attended by large number of senior naval officers and engineers and technicians of Karachi Shipyard.

For more information, contact:
Lieutenant Commander Shakeel Ahmad
Assistant Director
Directorate of Public Relations
Pakistan Navy
Tel: +9221 2006 3210
Cell: +92333 217 1764 and +92300 217 1038