KARACHI – Pakistani Navy has achieved yet another milestone in theindigenous campaign launched towards self reliance in defence field.

PN fleet tanker – designed by Turkish defense contractor STM andconstructed by Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works – has made its maidenvoyage, the designer firm said Thursday.

With a length of 158.40 metres and approximately 16,400-ton designdisplacement, the PNS MOAWIN left the Karachi port under its own power, andunder the command of the Commanding Officer, exited the harbour and channeland entered the Indian Ocean on March 31.

Ship crew, shipyard personnel, 30 STM staff and representatives fromseveral Turkish companies attended the ship’s first cruise, STM said on itswebsite.

“The results achieved in the trials of the vessel, which is the first ofits kind in its class in terms of its brand-new design, and in which manylocal industrial products have been used, are a source of pride for thePakistan-Turkey defense cooperation,” it added.

The fleet tanker project contract was signed on January 22, 2013.

“The project is the first in the naval ship construction between twofriendly and brotherly countries, Pakistan and Turkey, and a veryimportant, distinguished and unique co-operation project in the field ofdefense and shipbuilding industry,” the STM said.

The tanker can speed up to 20 knots per hour (around 37 kilometers or 23miles per hour).

The prospect for naval and maritime cooperation is immense betweenthe Pakistan Navy and the Turkish defence industry.

Just yesterday, the naval forces of both Islamic nations concluded firstbilateral exercise – TURGUTRIES-2018, “Drawn sword of Islam” – in NorthArabian Sea.