In a new chapter in Indo – Mauritian Defence Co-operation, Keel Laying ceremony for second of the series of Two Water Jet Fast Attack Crafts (WJFAC) being built by GSL for Mauritius Police Force was held at GSL on 22nd May 2015. RAdm Ravneet Singh, NM, Flag Officer Commanding Goa Naval Area and Naval Aviation, did the honours in the presence of RAdm Shekhar Mital, NM, IN (Retd) Chairman and Managing Director, GSL. Senior Officials of Navy & GSL were also present on the occasion.
The contract for this prestigious export order was signed on 07th May 2014 in Port Louis, Mauritius by Mrs. K. O. Fong Weng-Poorun, Senior Chief Executive of the Prime Minister’s Office and RAdm Shekhar Mital, NM, IN (Retd), CMD GSL in presence of Shri A K M Mudgal, the High Commissioner of India.
The FACs measuring 50 metre with a speed of 35 knots is propelled by three main engines and water jet. It is a state-of-the-art vessel in terms of capabilities and can function in a diverse manner for defence, coastal patrol, anti-smuggling, anti-poaching activities, search, rescue and fisheries protection amongst others. The basic design is based on proven in-house design of GSL which has been modified to meet the specific requirements of Mauritius Police Force.
CMD GSL in his message said “50% of GSL’s present order book is from exports. We are currently executing export orders of over Rs 1200 crores. This vessel has been provided with special facility for humanitarian efforts, damage control, fire fighting as well as pollution control measures to an extent”.
