Navy launches 600-tonnes maritime patrol vessel

Published December 5, 2017
Navy launches 600 tonnes maritime patrol vessel. —Photo courtesy Pakistan Navy
Navy launches 600 tonnes maritime patrol vessel. —Photo courtesy Pakistan Navy

Navy on Tuesday announced the launch of a 600-tonnes maritime patrol vessel (MPV) built for Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA).

The vessel is "a state of the art and multi-mission vessel with a steel hull and aluminum super structure," read a statement issued by the navy's media wing, adding that "the length of the vessel is 68.5 metres, breadth is 8.7 metres and it can achieve a top speed of 27 knots".

"The ship is fully equipped to enforce maritime security [and] search and rescue missions in the maritime exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Pakistan," it said. The launch ceremony was held at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW).

The navy's media wing informed that the vessel was built with the technical collaboration of China Shipbuilding and Trading Company (CSTC).

Speaking on the occasion, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi said the construction of the vessel was "yet another landmark project that speaks volumes of the evergreen friendship between China and Pakistan."

Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi was the chief guest during the launch ceremony. —Photo courtesy Pakistan Navy
Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi was the chief guest during the launch ceremony. —Photo courtesy Pakistan Navy

He added that responsibilities of Pakistan Navy and especially PMSA have increased manifolds after the start of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and extension in EEZ.

"If we capitalise on just 10 per cent of China’s external trade, it will be about five times the current volume of trade that we are carrying through our port," Admiral Abbasi said.

Earlier, KSEW Managing Director Syed Hasan Nasir Shah said that the MPV is one of the six vessels to be constructed as a part of a contract between the Ministry of Defence Production and CSTC.

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.