Goa Shipyard Ltd launched its first indigenous LPG cylinder carrier on Thursday with the second one expected to launch in the coming months. The ship will play a key role in ensuring supply of gas cylinders to the residents of Lakshwadeep’s scattered islands.
The vessel, which can carry 2,000 gas cylinders, will be delivered to the Lakshwadeep administration in the next few months, said GSL chairman and managing director Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay.
“The launch of this LPG cylinder carrier vessel is a major achievement for GSL as far as product diversification in non-defence sector is concerned,” said Upadhyay. “Despite the challenges faced due to the pandemic in the last two years, it is satisfying that we will be able to deliver this ship within next few months within the agreed timelines.” GSL inked the contract for the two LPG carriers on September 23, 2019. Developed in house by GSL, the ship is designed to carry LPG cylinders from the mainland to various islands of Lakshadweep. The 55m vessel is built keeping in mind the need for stability and to meet IMO regulations.