Cochin Shipyard launches passenger ship for Andamans with 1000 tonne cargo capacity

January 29, 2020: Cochin Shipyard (CSL) launched the first of the two vessels built for the Andaman & Nicobar administration with 1000 tonne cargo and 1200 passenger capacity.

“The vessel is designed as a modern high-quality passenger vessel with electric propulsion suitable for carrying 1200 passengers and 1000T cargo for “all-weather” operation on the mainland to A&N route. The ship is built to the highest standards of the Indian Register of Shipping and Lloyds Register of Shipping overseen by the DG Shipping of India and meets the requirements of “Class III Special Trade Passenger Ship” as per Indian Merchant Shipping rules. The vessel is built in steel as a modern, safe and seaworthy vessel with aesthetic lines and pleasant profile. The speciality of this vessel is that comes with “Safe Return to Port” (SRtP) compliance which is envisaged to be a ‘first’ in Asia. The ship would not only enable safe & comfortable passenger movement but will also be a boost to the tourism sector,” says the release.

With a speed of 18 knots, the ship combines speed with comfort and would have a complement of 104 staff. The vessel is approx 157 metre long. It will now undergo outfitting & building up of the accommodation & living quarters, after which it will undergo testing & trials prior to delivery to the A&N islands in 2021.

Vessel orders to CSL by Andaman & Nicobar Islands 

This vessel is part of the order for a series of 4 vessels viz; 02 500 pax cum 150T cargo vessels and 02 1200 pax cum 1000T cargo vessels, placed on CSL by the A&N administration. The second 1200 pax vessel is also under construction at CSL.

Vessels in stages of completion

In the meantime, CSL is in advanced stages of completion of the two 500 pax vessels for inter-island operations at the A&N. The first 500 pax vessel is scheduled to undergo sea trials next month and expected to be delivered ‘ready-for-service’ for the A&N islands in March 2020. The second 500 pax vessel is currently undergoing outfitting and will be ready for delivery to the islands in June 2020.