KARACHI – The launching ceremony of 32 Tons Bollard Pull (BP) Tug PNT Niazbeing built for Pakistan Navy was held at Karachi Shipyard and EngineeringWorks (KS&EW).

Rear Admiral Moazzam Ilyas, Commander Coastal Command (COMCOAST), gracedthe occasion as chief guest.

KS&EW has so far constructed 24 Tugs ranging from 10-40 Tons BP for itscustomers. This tug has 34 meters overall length, with displacement of 481tons and maximum speed of 12 knots.

The chief guest, in his address, appreciated Pakistan Navy and KS&EW fortheir valuable contribution towards attaining goal of self reliance inshipbuilding as this is the third tug of the same series for Pakistan Navybeing indigenously constructed by Karachi Shipyard.

He said that Pakistan Navy is continuously entrusting Karachi Shipyard withthe new projects and latest in the line are 2 x Frigates which are likelyto be signed soon. Highlighting the importance of CPEC, he said the NavalHeadquarters is pursuing the establishment of a new shipyard at Gwadarwhich has already been approved by the federal government.

Earlier MD KS&EW, Rear Admiral Ather Saleem said that Karachi Shipyard isfully cognizant and completely aligned with the goals set forth by thegovernment and Pakistan Navy of pursuing self-reliance in defenceshipbuilding industry.

This 32 Tons Bollard Pull Tug is a testimony of the commitment to thisdaunting challenge. While highlighting current production activities ofKS&EW, he said that presently 6 x shipbuilding projects are simultaneouslybeing constructed at KS&EW.