GARDEN Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) began production of the ‘Ocean-Going Passenger cum Cargo Ferry Vessel’ for Guyana on Saturday last. The plate-cutting e-ceremony was held in the presence of the High Commissioner of Guyana to India, Charrandass Persaud.
GRSE’s Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), Rear Admiral VK Saxena; Director (Shipbuilding), S. Nayyar; Director (Personnel), PR Hari; Director (Finance), RK Dash, 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 Limited (T&HD) of Guyana on January 13. The plate cutting signifies the successful completion of pre-production activities, and the same has been achieved amidst the COVID-19 pandemic with its share of lockdowns and restrictions.
The 70m long, 1,700 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 areas of the North West District of Guyana. The ship is designed to carry 276 passengers and 14 crew members, along with 14 cars, two trucks, 10 containers, and four refrigerated containers.

Persaud, in his address, 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 North West District of Guyana.”
GRSE stated that it is proud to construct the 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 the Government of Mauritius in 2015. The shipyard delivered a Fast Patrol Vessel to the Government of Seychelles this year, and 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. (PSUWATCH)