DCI Dredge XIX, a 5500 cu.m. capacity trailer suction hopper dredger was launched by Smt.Sunitha Vasan on 2nd April, 2012 at IHC Krimpen Shipyard, Rotterdam.
Shri G.K.Vasan, Union Minister of Shipping was the Chief Guest at the function. Shri P.K.Sinha, Secretary (Shipping), Government of India, Capt.D.K.Mohanty, Chairman and Managing Director, DCI, Officials of Ministry of Shipping, DCI, Shipyard and the local administration were present in the function.
Sliding of the Dredger into the water by operating the Lever by Smt.Vasan was a breath taking sight witnessed by a number of guests assembled on the occasion. DCI Dredge XIX, after her trials, will be arriving Indian Coast by end of this year to take up dredging works at various major ports. Two more dredgers would join the Dredging Corporation of India’s fleet in the following two years.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri G.K.Vasan, Union Minister of Shipping said: “ In the area of dredging, we are trying to achieve 14 metre draft in all the major ports and 17 metre in hub ports in India. The dredging requirements of both capital and maintenance of the Indian Ports would go up substantially and DCI would continue to be a major player in this area.”
He also lauded the INDO-DUTCH Cooperation in the maritime sector, particularly in the field of dredging.
He expressed the hope that the excellent bilateral relations would continue in the future. He further stated that the long relationship between DCI and IHC have benefited both the organizations in their business and technology transfer.
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Dredging Today Staff, April 26, 2012; Image: dredge-india