KARACHI: The commissioning ceremony of ship PMSS Zhob built for the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency was held at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KS&EW) on Thursday.

The 600-tonne maritime patrol vessel has been built in compliance with China Classif­ication Society Rules.

It has an overall length of 68.5 meters, beam of 8.7m and can achieve maximum speed of 27 knots.

Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Vice Admiral Abdul Aleem, Chief of Staff (Personnel), said that it was yet another landmark project that spoke volumes about the evergreen friendship between Pakistan and China.

“This vessel will not only enhance the operational capability of PMSA, but it will also go a long way in protecting the national jurisdiction and rich natural resources of Pakistani territorial waters and EEZ. It will play a vital role towards achieving self-reliance in defence production,” he said.

Earlier, KS&EW managing director Rear Admiral Ather Saleem in his welcome address said that this project signified the trust and confidence that the government reposed in KS&EW.

“The construction of PMSS Zhob has certainly enhanced our capabilities of indigenous construction of warships,” he added.

He said that KS&EW was indebted to the support of the government of Pakistan, the ministry of defence production, the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency and especially Pakistan Navy.

The delivery protocol was signed between representatives of the PMSA and the KS&EW and the ship was handed over to the PMSA.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials from the government of Pakistan, Pakistan Navy, corporate sector and the KS&EW.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2018