Defence PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) entered into an agreement on June 22 with German firm Carsten Rehder Schiffsmakler and Reederei GmbH & Co KG for the construction and delivery of four multi-purpose vessels, each with a capacity of 7,500 DWT (Deadweight Tonnage). The contract, valued at $54 million, includes an option to build an additional four ships in the future.
Under the terms of the agreement, GRSE will design, construct, and deliver these vessels within a period of 33 months. The ships, measuring 120 meters in length, 17 meters in width, and with a maximum draft of 6.75 meters, are designed to carry up to 7,500 metric tonnes of cargo. They feature a single cargo hold capable of accommodating bulk, general, and project cargoes, with containers carried on hatch covers. Notably, the vessels are specifically engineered to transport large windmill blades on deck.
The signing ceremony took place between GRSE and M/s Carsten Rehder Schiffsmakler and Reederei GmbH & Co, represented by Cdr Shantanu Bose, Director (Shipbuilding) and Carsten Thomas Rehder, Managing Director respectively, in the presence of Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd), Chairman & Managing Director of GRSE. Senior officials including RK Dash, Director (Finance), GRSE, DIG Subrato Ghosh, ICG (Retd), Director (Personnel), GRSE, and Mr. Jonas Meinhardt, Managing Director of M/s Carsten Rehder, were also in attendance.
GRSE has been actively expanding its portfolio, having previously delivered notable vessels like the CGS Barracuda and the PS Zoroaster. Currently, the shipyard is engaged in projects including the construction of patrol boats and a TSH dredger for the Government of Bangladesh. Their recent delivery of MV Ma Lisha, a significant passenger-cum-cargo ferry to Guyana, highlights their capability in advanced maritime engineering and construction.
