Construction of 32 TBP tug kicks off at KSEW

KARACHI: The keel laying ceremony of yet another 32 Ton Bollard Pull (TBP) tugboat being built for Pakistan Navy (PN) was held at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW) on Tuesday.

“The construction of the boat highlights the mission of the Ministry of Defence Production to make the country self-reliant in shipbuilding,” Lt Gen (R) Syed Muhammad Owais, Secretary Defence Production, said while addressing the ceremony.

Lt Gen (R) Owais, who was the chief guest of the event, lauded the efforts of the PN and the KSEW in playing a significant role in turning this vision into reality.  “The KSEW management and workforce deserve a big round of applause for executing all the projects on time,” the secretary said.

Earlier, Rear Admiral Syed Hasan Nasir Shah, MD KSEW, in his welcome address said that today marks the start of the construction of second 32 TBP tug boat, which is part of the contract awarded by the PN for the construction of two similar vessels.

“Three new contracts for the construction of an offshore patrol vessel and a hydrographic survey vessel for the PN, and two surveillance boats for Pakistan Customs have also been signed this month,” Shah added.

The MD KSEW also gave a brief overview of nine ongoing construction projects underway simultaneously at KSEW.

 “The KS&EW will leave no stone unturned in meeting the expectations of nation and the Navy,” Shah said while expressing his profound gratitude for Ministry of Defence Production and the PN for their contribution in the revival of this national asset.

The ceremony was attended by high ranking officials of Pakistan Navy, Corporate sector and KSEW.