Goa Shipyard looking beyond shores

In its bid to consolidate its position as one of the leading Indian shipbuilding yard, Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) has embarked upon a two-pronged strategy - enhancing capabilities to meet domestic requirements and two to explore further export opportunities in Asia, Africa and South America.

In an interview to SP’s ShowNews at Defexpo India 2012, the Chairman and Managing Director of GSL, Rear Admiral (Retd) Vineet Bakhshi confirmed that GSL had been shortlisted by Oman for patrol vessels. “We are in the last three against a very stiff international competition. We are also looking at countries in Asia, Africa and South America where our range of products can find utility. GSL has design and build capabilities to meet the customers’ requirements.”

GSL has been exporting non-lethal vessels to many countries, some of which include Yemen, Mozambique, and Oman. “We are now wanting to export vessels which have greater complexity.”

In line with the growing demand, GSL has commenced on a modernisation plan with a little over 800 crore allocation for the same. “The modernisation programme is expected to be completed a little over three years time, thus transforming the shipyard into one of the best in the world. The plan, once complete, will triple the capacity of the shipyard and also shorten the lead times.”

Talking about Defexpo as a platform for further business, Rear Admiral Bakhshi said, “It is an excellent meeting ground for various countries and companies to synergise and understand each others’ requirements as also project capabilities of our own shipyards.”

The vision of GSL, he said, is to be able to leverage its strengths in design and its people skills to provide the best products to the discerning customers, not just in india, but elsewhere too.