Indian shipbuilding company Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE), is set to deliver six patrol boats to the Department of Fisheries, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. This contract, awarded in July 2021 through competitive bidding and valued at USD $1,821,798.00, signifies GRSE’s growing footprint in the international maritime sector. As these vessels near completion, they mark a milestone in GRSE’s shipbuilding capabilities and export success. The 13-meter-long patrol boats are designed to perform robustly in various maritime conditions, catering specifically to the needs of the Marine Fisheries Surveillance Check-post (MFSC) of Bangladesh. The patrol boats will significantly enhance Bangladesh’s ability to monitor and protect its marine resources.
The patrol boats will patrol fishing grounds to deter illegal fishing practices, ensuring compliance with fishing regulations. Equipped with a water jet drive system, these boats can operate in waters as shallow as 0.60 meters, making them exceptionally versatile for Bangladesh’s diverse marine environments. Designed for 24/7 operations, these boats will play a crucial role in maritime security, allowing continuous monitoring and enforcement. The vessels will enhance the Bangladeshi maritime force’s ability to conduct search and rescue missions, providing critical support in emergency situations.
The advanced technologies integrated into these patrol boats, particularly the water jet drive system, provide superior maneuverability and efficiency in shallow waters compared to traditional propeller-driven boats. This feature is especially important for the varied and often challenging maritime conditions in Bangladesh. The imminent delivery of these vessels underscores GRSE’s commitment to delivering high-quality, technologically advanced maritime solutions. This successful venture not only highlights GRSE’s shipbuilding prowess but also strengthens the maritime capabilities of Bangladesh, fostering a cooperative relationship between the two nations.
Established in 1884, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE), a premier warship building company in India, operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence. It began as a modest workshop, servicing vessels for the River Steam Navigation Company, before being nationalized by the Government of India in 1960. GRSE’s illustrious history includes building India’s first indigenous warship, the INS Ajay, for the Indian Navy in 1961. Over the years, it has constructed a diverse range of vessels, including the first Indian export warship for Mauritius, a Fast Patrol Vessel for Seychelles, and an Ocean-Going Cargo & Passenger Ferry Vessel for Guyana.
