GRSE modernisation programme to be complete end 2012

One of the premier shipbuilding yard of India, Kolkatabased Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) will be completing its modernisation plans by the end of the year which should further give the company a competitive edge.

Disclosing this to SP’s ShowNews at Defexpo India 2012, GRSE Chairman and Managing Director, Rear Admiral (Retd) A.K. Verma said “We are on the last leg of the modernisation programme which has three key aspects - construction of new docks; workshops and a 250 tonne Goliath crane. The crane should be ready in the next three months.

About the various projects in the pipeline, Rear Admiral Verma mentioned that ‘fitting out’ work and system integration was on course for project 28 ASW Corvettes for the Indian Navy. “In about three months time, we should be sailing for the contractor’s sea trials and the first ship is due to be commissioned end of 2012.” GRSE, he said, had built enormous shipbuilding capabilities over the years and these would continue to serve the requirements of the Indian Navy.

Hailing the organisation of Defexpo India 2012, he said “it is the best-ever Defexpo...It has been organised in a very big way and it is far, far better than the previous expos, in terms of attendance by companies and by friendly countries.”