Thaindian News

Kochi, Nov 5 (IANS) Union Minister for Shipping G.K. Vasan has asked Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) to complete a feasibility study report on setting up a new ship repair facility and shipyard with a Rs.1,500 crore investment at one of three identified places in Kerala.

An official said a panel is preparing a feasibility report on the matter.

Vasan, who reviewed the company’s present operations and future plans Friday, directed the CSL officials to complete the feasibility study report by the end of the month.

Speaking to IANS, V. Kala, spokesperson of CSL, said three places identified had been identified - Vizhinjam, Poovar (both near Kovalam) and Azhikkal, in north Kerala.

“A three-member committee is now working to prepare the feasibility report and already they have finished one round of site visit. The exact location would be finalised after looking into aspects like the depth of water besides the infrastructure required to berth big ships,” said Kala.

The state government will have to provide the land, which would be around 100 acres besides setting up of the basic infrastructure.

“As and when cleared, a minimum investment of around Rs.1,500 crore would have to take place to see a new shipyard come up,” added Kala.

CSL is one of the leading ship building and repair yards in the country. It commenced ship building operations in 1978, ship repair in 1981, marine engineering training in 1993 and offshore up gradation in 1999.

Vizhinjam might get the nod because the state government is awaiting the environment impact study report that is being prepared and is considered the final clearance for setting up a Rs.5,400 crore state-of-the-art Vizhinjam port.