August 16, 2008	Saturday	Sha'aban 13, 1429

KARACHI, Aug 15: The first dredging vessel, Behr Kusha, acquired from China was formally inducted into the Pakistan Navy at a ceremony held at the PN Dockyard here on Friday.

The 81-meter-long vessel with a draught of 4.95 meters and a displacement of 5,037 tons will primarily be utilized for cleaning approaches, harbour channels, basins and naval berths at the Jinnah Naval Base, Ormara. Besides, this platform will also be used for dredging naval areas at Karachi and other national ports.

The Chief of Staff Pakistan Navy, Vice-Admiral Asaf Humayun was chief guest on the occasion.

The naval chief said that China was a trusted and tested ally of Pakistan and acquisition of this vessel was a demonstration of sound and long-lasting historic relations between the two countries.

“It also signifies our desire to further cement the existing military cooperation with China,” he said.

Commenting on the fast-growing maritime sector in the country, the CNS said that besides construction of a deep-sea port at Gwadar and the coastal highway, many other mega projects related to ship construction and ports refurbishment were also in the offing.

Earlier, in his welcome address Vice-Admiral M.A Khan highlighted the salient features and significance of the vessel and said that the dredger, material, machinery and equipment met the requirements of Chinese National Standard and China Ship Inspection Bureau.