Colombo Dockyard PLC recently laid the keel to mark the commencement of construction of the largest vessel in its history of Shipbuilding, a 400 Passenger, 250 tonne Cargo Vessel for the Administration of Union Territory of Lakshadweep, India. This is the first vessel of a series of two vessels that has been ordered by the Government of India.

The keel was laid at the auspicious time of 8.27 am, in the presence of Mr. Manish (Counsellor Economic & Commerce, Indian High Commission), Capt. Sumeet Kapoor (Defence Advisor, Indian High Commission), Mr. Srinath Herat (Lloyds Register of Shipping) and Mr. D.V.D. Prasad Rao (Indian Register of Shipping).

Mr. Akihiko Nakauchi (Chairman), Mr. Mangala P.B. (Yapa Managing Director) and Mr. N. Nishida (Director of senior management and project management team) of Colombo Dockyard were also present at the occasion.

Once completed, these vessels will be deployed to cater to the increased traffic en-route from Cochin port to the UTL Islands, as well as in the inter-island routes. The addition of these vessels will ease the movement of passengers, especially during peak season.

Colombo Dockyard states it will take extra stringent quality control and great care on safety measures in order to ensure the vessel’s appropriateness in material and machinery, and that these vessels shall be built to meet all applicable IMO, SOLAS and Special Trade Passenger Ship Rules of the Indian Flag Administration.  

The vessel is designed by world renowned ship design firm GL Noble Denton of Norway (formerly known as Brevik Engineering). The design engineering was performed by Neilsoft Ltd of India. The vessel shall be dual-classed, meeting class rules of both the Lloyds Register of Shipping, Indian Register of Shipping and statutory rules applicable for a vessel of this type.

The vessel shall be powered by two Japanese made YANMAR Main Engines, each developing a propulsive power of 1920 kW, driving two Swedish-made BERG Controllable Pitch Propellers with a three meter diameter. This combination is claimed to provide a high level of maneuverability, optimum efficiency and economic operation for the vessel.
 
The vessel will feature different categories of passenger accommodation. There will be 10 first class, 40 second class and 350 normal class passenger transportation facilities. All these passenger compartments shall be fully air conditioned, using an air conditioning system consisting of central air handling unit and refrigerating plant, designed on the basis of an environmentally friendly refrigerant chilled water system.
   
Navigation and communication electronic equipment shall be predominately supplied by European and Japanese manufacturers to increase reliability and to ensure uninterrupted spare part and service support during the life span of the vessel.

The vessel also claims a very low fuel consumption and outstanding maneuvering and sea keeping capabilities, with low noise and vibration levels to "increase the comfort of the passengers and crew of the vessel". The vessel is to be manned by a crew of 69, who will be provided with living quarters claimed to match "the world standards available on a vessel of this class".  

Colombo Dockyards states "the fact that the Indian Government placed its utmost confidence once again in Colombo Dockyard to build these Passenger Vessels, just a year after delivery of the two Passenger Vessels ('MV Arabian Sea' and 'MV Lakshadweep Sea'), is a clear testimony of the maturity and the status that Colombo Dockyard has achieved in the field of Shipbuilding in the region, and will further strengthen the long and cordial relationship the two countries have enjoyed over the past years."

Colombo Dockyard further states "the vessel is designed to be a perfect blend of high tech and elegance, and could be considered as one of the most environmentally friendly vessels to be built by Colombo Dockyard, which indeed will be a positive feature considering the un-spoilt terrain of the Lakshadweep Administration in which these vessels are intended to be operated."