COAST GUARD COMMENCES IN-HOUSE DOCKING OF SHIPS AT CHENNAI
Indian Coast Guard undertook a maiden docking of its ship ICGS C-435 at recently refurbished slip-way. The maiden docking of Coast Guard ship ICGS C-435 was monitored by Inspector General Donny Michael, Commander, Coast Guard Region (East).
The slip-way is part of overall infrastructure located at Timber Pond and Boat basin in Chennai Port taken on long lease by ICG. The slip-way will give a boost to in-house repair facilities of Coast Guard leading to faster turnaround of its ships undergoing repairs and refit at Chennai.
The slip-way will be utilized by refitting yards and firms undertaking docking of Coast Guard ships. The operationalization of slip-way is part of long term endeavor of ICG to create and operate indigenous infrastructure for repair of its ships, thus reducing dependence on other agencies. This move is likely to enhance operational availability of Coast Guard ships for patrol in the region.
The slip-way leased from Chennai Port has been extensively refurbished by ICG. Coast Guard will be docking its Fast Patrol Vessels and Interceptor Boats, which form the largest chunk of its fleet, at the recently acquired slip-way.
Indian Coast Guard has leased an area of 27 acres consisting of waterfront area of 61000 Sq. Mtrs and land area of 48000 Sq Mtrs from Chennai Port Trust. Indian Coast Guard has an ambitious plan of augmenting its maintenance facilities at Chennai by operationalization of the slipway, activating workshops and warehouse to support repairs of ships. The slip-way and associated workshops will be utilized by Refit firms undertaking repairs of ICG ships and will boost the indigenous industry operating in this field. It will also increase availability of Coast Guard ships for operational missions.
