KARACHI, Pakistan: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday launched Pakistan Navy’s 17000 tones Oil Tanker built at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works in collaboration with Turkey.
In his address at the launching ceremony attended by high officials from Pakistan and Turkey and the officials and workers of Pakistan Navy, the prime minister said that ongoing development programs including China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) stipulate our aim to achieve maximum output in terms of regional trade and trans-shipment with Gwadar as a focal point.
The prime minster said that this initiative will certainly open more opportunities of collaboration between Pakistan and Turkey in the field of indigenous warship construction in particular and other defence sector products in general.
“It will play a vital role towards achievement of self-reliance in defence production,” he said.
Nawaz Sharif appreciated the Karachi Shipyard, Pakistan Navy and Ministry of Defence Production for launching the ship two months ahead of schedule.
Earlier, the prime minister was briefed about the features of the fleet, built by M/s Savunma Teknologiler Muhendisilik of Turkey under the ambit of Ministry of Defence Production and Pakistan Navy.
The main role of this fleet tanker will be provision of logistic support to Pakistan Navy at sea in terms of liquid cargo. It will also conduct combat support operations and provide medical support to Pakistan Navy.
Its design is based on contemporary trends and is according to Bureau Veritas Rules for the Classification of Naval Ships. The double hull design will provide the fleet an unrestricted entry into any port of the world.
