Colombo Dockyard to launch 400-passenger vessel

Work is progressing on a 400-passenger and 250-ton cargo vessel, which is being built for the Union Territory of Lakshadweep Administration, Government of India. This is the first of two vessels that Colombo Dockyard Ltd has been contracted to build.

Once the hull is completed, the vessel will move into the next stage of construction, where it will be fitted with machinery, piping, electrical, automation, navigation, communication equipment and furniture.

After delivery, the vessel will cater to the increased traffic from the mainland (Cochin) to UTL Islands and in the inter-island routes. The addition of this vessel will ease the movement of passengers during the peak season.

The vessel has been designed by Global Maritime Brevik AS of Norway (formerly GL Noble Denton and Brevik Engineering) and the detailed design engineering is by Neilsoft Ltd of India.

The vessel is dually classed, meeting class rules of Lloyds Register of Shipping and Indian Register of Shipping and statutory rules applicable for a vessel of this type.

It will be powered by two Japanese made Yanmar main engines, each with a propulsive power of 1920 kW, driving two Swedish made Berg Controllable Pitch Propellers of 3m diameter. "This combination provides a high level of manoeuvrability, optimum efficiency and economic operation for the vessel," a company spokesman said.

The vessel will have private, office, sanitary, catering space. The passengers will have different categories of accommodation.

There will be 10 first class, 40 second class and 350 normal class passenger transportation facilities.

All passenger compartments will be air-conditioned. The central air-conditioning plant will use an environment-friendly system.

Electronic equipment for navigation and communication will be predominately supplied by European and Japanese makers to increase reliability and ensure uninterrupted spare parts and services support during the life span of the vessel.

"The vessel will be a blend of high tech and elegance, and could be considered one of the most environment-friendly vessels to be built by Colombo Dockyard," he said.

"As the vessel's hull design has been based on slender outlines, the vessel features low fuel consumption and will have outstanding manoeuvring and sea keeping capabilities with low noise and vibration levels which will also increase the comfort of passengers and crew," the spokesman said.

"The vessel is to be manned by a crew of 69 who will be provided living quarters matching world standards available on vessels of this class," he said.