Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), on January 29, 2018, signed contracts for construction of 16 tuna long lining and gillnetting fishing vessels under the diversification of trawler fishing boats from Palk Bay into deep sea fishing boats under Central sector as part of Blue Revolution Scheme with financial assistance from the government of India and the government of Tamil Nadu.
A tripartite contract to this effect was signed and the steel-cutting ceremony for these 16 vessels took place at CSL in the presence of Mr Madhu S. Nair, CMD, CSL, Dr G. Sameeran, IAS, Additional Director (Fisheries), government of Tamil Nadu and other senior officials from Department of Fisheries, government of Tamil Nadu, CSL and also senior officials from Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT).
This is CSL’s first entry into the fishing vessel construction segment. CSL, known for its capabilities in the construction of big and high-end specialised vessels, intends bringing in quality, modern and efficient products to this currently unorganised sector, thereby benefitting not only the fishing community, but also partnering in the effort to sustain the ecology by promoting long lining and gillnetting activities as against the highly damaging trawling that currently exists in this space.
The current order for 16 boats has been construed by CSL as a pilot project as part of its attempt to venture into and understand the requirements of this sector. CSL is partnering with CIFT in this endeavour, with inspection under Indian Register of Shipping. The proposed vessel of length around 22 m is provided with Central and state governments subsidy to the maximum of Rs 56 lakh for the beneficiaries selected by the Fisheries Department.
