KARACHI, Nov 9: Two pusher tugs constructed for Pakistan Navy at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW) were launched here on Friday.

The event was planned in connection with the international defence exhibition IDEAS-2012.

The defence production secretary, retired Lt-Gen Shahid Iqbal, chaired the launch ceremony.

Senior flag officers, delegates from friendly countries attending IDEAS-2012 and dignitaries from the maritime sector, defence industries and Pakistan Navy were present.

The pusher tugs with a displacement of 55 tonnes can achieve the speed of 10 knots with bollard pull of 12 tonnes.

The push bow and fenders of the pusher tugs have been specially designed for safe handling of submarines in the harbour.

In his address, the chief guest, retired Lt-Gen Shahid Iqbal, highlighted the significance of the occasion saying that it showed the capacity and capability of Pakistan in defence production. “It is indeed a clear manifestation of the indigenisation policies of our government and a proud moment for the KSEW,” he said.

He expressed satisfaction over the continued success of the Karachi shipyard in achieving major targets of its business plans both in shipbuilding and general engineering projects.

“This success is attributable to sound planning of the management and relentless efforts of its workforce,” he added.

Earlier delivering the welcome address, managing director of the Karachi Shipyard Rear Admiral Hasan Nasir Shah said that these tugs had been indigenously built at the KSEW with international quality standards and the KSEW had achieved complete self-sufficiency for construction of such vessels.

In the past two years the KSEW had delivered four of such vessels taking total tally to 19 tugs made at the KSEW, he added.

Addressing the ceremony, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (Projects) Rear Admiral Abdul Aleem said that the Karachi shipyard had always been the main support for Pakistan Navy fleet for new construction as well as repair of ships.

“The present event is the continuation of its long lasting commitment with Pakistan Navy,” he added.

He said that in recognition of the commendable support, Pakistan Navy also entrusted the Karachi Shipyard with F22P frigate, FAC-M No2, 32 tonne bollard pull tug and multipurpose barge construction projects.—APP