KARACHI: Induction ceremony of Backhoe Dredger Rah Kusha and Split Hoper Barges (SHP) Tarseel-1 and 2 built for Pakistan Navy (PN) at Tianjin Shipyard, China was held at PN dockyard, Karachi on Thursday.
Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Kaleem Shaukat graced the occasion as chief guest. The ceremony was attended by high ranking officials and dignitaries from Pakistan Navy, China and corporate sector.
With the induction of this new dredger and its two hopper barges SHB Tarseel-1 and 2, dredging capability of PN will enhance further. Backhoe Dredger Rah Kusha, due to its unique design and functioning methodology, can dredge in the proximity of jetties and berths where other conventional dredging means are less effective.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Admiral Kaleem Shaukat stated that Pakistan’s sea trade routes and maritime zones are the lifelines for country’s economy and need to be guarded at all costs. He said, “Our ports and harbour are the gateways to this economic line and the need to keep them functional at all times mandates a strong navy.”
The vice chief avowed that induction of Rah Kusha fulfils an essential requirement of PN and will meet the objectives set forth for it.
The chief guest said that this induction is yet another manifestation of Pak-China bilateral defence cooperation which is unparalleled and has always lived up to the expectations. He also congratulated and praised all stakeholders for their dedication and relentless efforts in making the project a resounding success.
