India has advanced its marine infrastructure by commissioning a 250-tonne slipway cradle in Kochi, the largest government-owned vessel cradle in the country.

The facility, built by the Fishery Survey of India (FSI) at a cost of ₹1.78 crore, was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying George Kurian on Wednesday.

The heavy-duty steel structure has been designed to safely haul and launch vessels of up to 250 tonnes displacement, offering docking and maintenance support for a wide range of craft, from fishermen’s boats to sophisticated research vessels.

The system can accommodate six vessels simultaneously across different berths, significantly improving repair and servicing capabilities at the Kochi complex.

According to the Union Minister, the facility represents a major step in India’s vision for a sustainable blue economy. He added that the facility would benefit fishers, government agencies, and marine stakeholders by ensuring uninterrupted operations for marine research, stock assessments, ecosystem monitoring and surveys.

Kurian further stated that under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), transponders are being installed on fishing vessels in collaboration with ISRO to enhance safety at sea and enable real-time communication.

The system will also integrate potential fishing zone forecasts, allowing fishers to receive reliable information about fish-rich areas directly through the transponders.

FSI Director General Sreenath K. R. described the new cradle as a critical enabler for the deep-sea fleet modernisation drive envisioned under PMMSY. He explained that as fishers are encouraged to invest in modern, technologically advanced vessels, providing them with world-class maintenance infrastructure is essential.

He added that the facility ensures these new assets remain in prime operational condition, extending their lifespan and ensuring safety for fishers at sea.

The cradle’s design provides balanced support to vessel hulls during movement along the slipway, operating with an electric winch system to control hauling from water to shore. Its robust construction allows for smooth and safe handling of heavy vessels.

The FSI slipway complex will also cater to craft used by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Indian Coast Guard, Customs, Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), and the Lakshadweep Fisheries Department.

The facility is also expected to serve Kochi Water Metro vessels, inland water transport vessels, tourism crafts, and private deep-sea operators.

Officials said the new cradle will not only support the maintenance of diverse vessel types but also strengthen India’s capacity for continuous marine research and sustainable fisheries management.

References: TOI, thehindubusinessline