KEEL-LAYING CEREMONY OF MARINE AMBULANCE BOAT FOR KERALA STATE FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.

by Suman Gupta

The ‘KEEL-LAYING’ ceremony of First of the series (CSL Hull No. BY 110) of Three (3) Nos. Marine Ambulance Boats being built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL), for the Department of Fisheries, Govt. of Kerala was carried out today at CSL premises, by Smt. J. Mercykutty Amma, Hon’ble Minister for Fisheries, Harbor Engineering & Cashew Industry in the presence of Senior Officials from State Fisheries Department, BPCL & Indian Register of Shipping. The Directors and Employees of CSL were also present for the ceremony. CSL Director Operations, Sri. Sureshbabu N.V explained the expansion plans of CSL (upcoming new Dry-dock within CSL premises and the new Ship-Lift facility at the premises of Intl’ Ship Repair Facility) to the Hon’ble Minister. The Hon’ble Minister appreciated the fact that the technical capabilities of CSL that is normally utilized for large size Defence & Commercial sectors is now available for the service of the domestic & local segment as well.

These Ambulance Boats have an approximate length of 22.5 Mtr, beam size of about 6.0 Mtr and a maximum speed of 14 knots. The modern vessel, designed in-house by CSL will be of high quality and fuel efficient. CFD analysis and Model Test at IIT Chennai was done to optimize fuel efficiency and firming up the power requirement. 3-D Modelling of the entire boat has been done in-house to improve ergonomics and lay-out.

The vessel will be able to accommodate Two (2) patients and will have a crew capacity of 7, including the paramedical staff. The vessel will also have various paramedical facilities like examination and nursing room, medical beds, mortuary freezer, refrigerator and medical lockers. There will be a Jason’s cradle to safely rescue people from sea. Marine ambulances will be used for the rescue and instant treatment to the marine fishermen in distress as well as for normal patrolling.

The vessels are due for delivery in early 2020. BPCL is also supporting the project as part of its CSR initiatives.