Karachi Shipyard Held Keel Laying Ceremony for Pakistan Navy’s Fleet Tanker

Keel laying ceremony of the 17,000 tons fleet tanker, being built for Pakistan Navy, was held at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works on 07 March 2014. Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila NI(M) Chief of the Naval Staff graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The ceremony was attended by Ambassador of Turkey and representatives of M/s STM, Diplomats and other high ranking officials from GoP, PN and KS&EW.

 Pakistan Navy’s Fleet Tanker will primarily provide logistics support to PN units at sea. The ship will also be able to undertake anti-submarine, anti-surface vessel and search and rescue operations. The ship will be fitted with latest medical facilities to provide medical support to PN fleet units as well as during disaster relief operations.

On the occasion, the honourable Chief Guest said that it is a matter of pride to witness the Keel Laying of Fleet Tanker in Karachi Shipyard in collaboration with M/s STM Turkey.  He assured that PN will continue to facilitate KS&EW in its endeavors to build more warships for PN Fleet and become a leading yard of the region.

Earlier MD KS&EW, Rear Admiral Syed Hasan Nasir Shah SI(M) in his welcome address thanked MoDP (Government of Pakistan), Pakistan Navy and especially CNS for taking bold step of indigenous construction of this Fleet Tanker at Karachi Shipyard. He apprized that this keel laying is being performed 06 months ahead of contractual timeline and that the ship will be delivered in time. He further apprized that Karachi Shipyard, today, is fully geared up with requisite infra structure and highly trained man power to undertake more challenging projects with earnest zeal and vigour.

He also highlighted that in last 2 years KS&EW has paid over Rs 300 million in taxes and made a record profit of over 500 million rupees in FY 2012-13. KS&EW has also re-established its link with local industry where KS&EW has delivered sugar mill to local industry and is also undertaking refurbishment of Jinnah International Airport’s Passenger Boarding Bridges, along with construction of over head cranes for Pakistan Railway’s Carriage Rebuild Factory.

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Karachi Shipyard, March 10, 2014