In what could be seen as a new chapter in Indo – Mauritian Defence Co-operation, Keel Laying ceremony for first of the series of Two Water Jet Fast Attack Crafts (WJFAC) being built by GSL for Mauritius Police Force was held at GSL on 18th December 2014.
Capt. Anish Nair, Warship Production Superintendent (WPS), Goa did the honours in the presence of RAdm Shekhar Mital, NM, IN (Retd) Chairman and Managing Director, GSL. Senior Officials of 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 Fast Attack Craft 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 and protection work, survey, pollution control, coastal patrol, anti-smuggling, anti-poaching activities, search and rescue, fisheries protection and monitoring of foreign chartered trawlers, 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 “We are the largest exporter of ships from the country and 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”.
Significantly, GSL had earlier signed a contract with Government of Mauritius for construction and delivery of 11 Fast Interceptor Boats (FIB). The Keel for the FIBs, being built by GSL for Govt. of Mauritius was laid on 2nd June 2014 at GSL Unit II, Sancoale.
