The Union Defence Ministry has agreed to place orders with Cochin Shipyard Ltd to build defence ships in the next five years, according to Nitin Gadkari, the Union Shipping Minister.
An assurance in this regard has been given by the Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar himself during discussions in Goa the other day, Gadkari said here on Friday.
Gadkari asked the public sector CSL to make use of the opportunities arising out of the Defence order and encourage auxiliary industries for getting spare parts. “This is the time for the yard to augment its production, as it in turn will lead to create more employment opportunities in the state”, he said.
The Shipping Minister was here to deliver a specialised multi purpose ship Indira Point to Directorate General of Light Houses and Light Ships constructed by the yard. The ₹160 crore ship will be used for transportation and placement of buoys in deeps seas.
According to him, CSL will soon be placed with orders by Andaman and Nicobar administration to build building passenger ships and Shipping Corporation of India for constructing various vessels.