The shipyard achieved this milestone amidst the COVID-19 pandemic by working with available resources taking all necessary precautions.
“The vessel is designed as a modern high-quality passenger vessel with electric propulsion suitable for carrying 1200 passengers and 1000T cargo for “all-weather” operation on the mainland to A&N route. The ship is built to the highest standards of the Indian Register of Shipping and Lloyds Register of Shipping overseen by the DG Shipping of India and meets the requirements of “Class III Special Trade Passenger Ship” as per Indian Merchant Shipping rules. The vessel is built in steel as a modern, safe and seaworthy vessel with aesthetic lines and pleasant profile. The speciality of this vessel is that comes with “Safe Return to Port” (SRtP) compliance which is envisaged to be a ‘first’ in Asia. The ship would not only enable safe & comfortable passenger movement but will also be a boost to the tourism sector,” says the release.
With a speed of 18 knots, the ship combines speed with comfort and would have a complement of 104 staff. The vessel is approx 157 metre long. It will now undergo outfitting & building up of the accommodation & living quarters, after which it will undergo testing & trials prior to delivery to the A&N islands in 2021.