L&T Crosses Shipbuilding Milestone - lays keel for first ship

Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T) has announced that the Company laid the keel for the first ship within 17 weeks of commencing operations at its shipbuilding yard at Hazira, near Surat. A 180-tonne keel block - the heaviest ever by an Indian Shipyard - was ceremonially placed on the erection bay at the Company's Hazira Shipyard. The Customary keel block lowering was done by Mr. Meindert Van Genderen, Director, Rolldock, Netherlands, in the presence of Mr. A M Naik, Chairman & Managing Director, MR. M V Kotwal, Member of the Board, other the Company's officials and business associates, Mr. Genderen in his speech reiterated their trust and confidence in the Company's capabilities and commitment to the project.

Mr. Naik said that shipbuilding represented a major thrust area for the Company, with the Hazira shipyard marking the beginning of the strategic initiative. Detailed expansion plans for the Hazira Shipyard involve expanding capacity to construct 8 vessels up to 20,000 dwt per annum. The Company also plans to set up large shipyards of international standards in India.

Keel laying - an important milestones in shipbuilding - represents the joining of the modular components of the ship and signals the commencement of assembling the hull.

The Company had marked its entry into this field in April 2006 by securing an order from the Netherlands-based Rolldock (earlier Zadeko Ship Management) for four heavy lift semi-submersible cargo ships, technically described as RORO/LOLO Semi Submersible vessels. Till date, over 900 tonnes of steel fabrication have been completed in a fast track schedule.

Source : Equity Bulls

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