The 'Keel Laying' ceremony of Marine Ambulance Boats being built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), for Kerala Fisheries Department was carried out by State Fisheries Minister Ms J. Mercykutty Amma here on Friday.
CSL Director (Operations) Sureshbabu N V explained the expansion plans of upcoming new Dry-dock and the new Ship-Lift facility at the CSL to the Minister.
The Minister appreciated the fact that the technical capabilities of CSL that was normally utilised for large size Defence and Commercial sectors was now available for the service of the domestic and local segment as well.
These ambulance boats have an approximate length of 22.5 mtr, beam size of about 6.0 mtr and a maximum speed of 14 knots.
The modern vessel, designed in-house by CSL would be of high quality and fuel efficient. CFD analysis and Model Test at IIT Chennai was done to optimize fuel efficiency and firming up the power requirement.
3-D Modelling of the entire boat has been done in-house to improve ergonomics and lay-out.
The vessel would be able to accommodate two patients and would have a crew capacity of seven, including the paramedical staff.
The vessel would also have various paramedical facilities like examination and nursing room, medical beds, mortuary freezer, refrigerator and medical lockers.
There would be a Jason’s cradle to safely rescue people from sea. Marine ambulances would be used for the rescue and instant treatment to the marine fishermen in distress as well as for normal patrolling.
The vessels were due for delivery in early 2020. BPCL was also supporting the project as part of its CSR initiatives.
