Pride for Indian shipbuilding sector; Cargo ships built in Kochi leaving for Germany in six months

KOCHI: The Cochin Shipyard is extending the country's reputation in shipbuilding to Europe as well. Two ships built for a German company were launched yesterday. These will go to Germany after trials that last for more than six months. Germany, a world power in the field of technology, building ships in Kochi, is a recognition of India's excellence. German company officials were also present at the ceremony.

In 2023, MSHS Service GMBH and Co KG, a leading player in Germany's inland freight network, had placed an order to build eight vessels. The construction of two is in progress.

There are more than 3,000 inland cargo vessels in Germany belonging to more than 40 companies. 230 million tons of cargo transfer takes place annually. This is the first time that Indian-made ships are coming to the region. As many as 16 ships are being built for Germany at various shipyards in India.

7000 tons

These ships are 'ice-class vessels' that travel smoothly in frozen water bodies. It is 110 meters long and 16.5 meters wide. Bulk carriers carrying a weight of 7000 tons.

Rs 580 crore for one

Rs 580 crore per ship. Other ships will also be sailing by next March.

Two warships to be launched tomorrow

With the launch of two more anti-submarine ships built by the Cochin Shipyard for the Navy tomorrow, the country will gain more military strength in the deep sea. Ships with state-of-the-art sonar system have a length of 78 metres and a width of 11.36 metres. The speed is 25 knots. In November last year, three ships - INS Mahe, INS Malvan and INS Mangrol - were launched.