IRS Kolkata team attends Keel Laying Ceremony at Hooghly Cochin Shipyard

KOLKATA : The Kolkata team of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) attended the keel laying ceremony of two key vessels—a 40-tonne Bollard Pull (BP) tug for Industrial Handling Pvt. Ltd. and an 80-passenger river cruise vessel—at Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (HooghlyCSL).

Both vessels are being constructed under the classification and survey of the Indian Register of Shipping, reaffirming IRS’s commitment to upholding high standards of safety, quality, and technical compliance in India’s growing inland and coastal maritime sector.

The 40T BP tug is designed to support industrial and port operations, offering enhanced manoeuvrability, towing capability, and operational reliability for demanding handling requirements. The 80-passenger river cruise vessel is aimed at strengthening inland waterway tourism, with a focus on passenger safety, comfort, and efficient riverine operations.

The keel laying ceremony marks a significant milestone in the construction lifecycle of both vessels and reflects the collaborative efforts of the shipowner, shipyard, and classification society. IRS’s presence at the event underscores its active role in supporting indigenous shipbuilding under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

Hooghly Cochin Shipyard Ltd. continues to play a vital role in the development of inland and coastal vessels, contributing to capacity building, employment generation, and sustainable maritime growth in the region.