TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: In a bid to keep pace with the challenges to inland water security and increasing number of crafts, the Captain of Ports Department is upgrading its fleet with a new tug and speed boat to be commissioned within the next six months to one year.
On Thursday, the Ports administration laid the keel for its Rs 5.65 crore tug which is to be constructed by Mandovi Dry Docks at Pilgao and handed to it within eight months.
The existing tug having a four ton bollard pull which is more than 15 years old is in a dilapidated condition and is being replaced with a new tug with 12 ton bollard pull.
“This tug will be berthed at Britona and will be equipped to handle various tasks involving vessels navigating in the inland waters of Goa,” said a source in the department.
Meanwhile, Goa Shipyard Ltd will be constructing a Rs 2.63 crore high tech speed boat for the Captain of Ports Department which will serve as a patrol vessel completed within 10 months. The new vessel, it is disclosed, will have a speed capacity of 30 knots for effective patrolling of inland waters and beyond.
Herald has learnt that the Ports Administration is phasing out old and outdated equipment in a phased manner as most of its equipment and fleet have run their course and are in a dilapidating condition.
