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Goa Shipyard Seeks To Export Patrol Vessels
Indias Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) is exploring opportunities emerging out of the increasing anti-piracy operations across the globe, and hopes to become a leader in building high-speed patrol vessels for international customers facing danger at sea.
GSL is currently setting its sights on lightly armed vessels in response to ever-increasing demand due to all-time highs in pirate activity. The company is in talks with a couple of countries, and Oman has emerged as a potential frontrunner for export sales.
GSL sources tell AVIATION WEEK that the Middle East market is tempting and GSLs marketing teams have already put together a blueprint to tap these opportunities.
GSLs interest in exports is seen by defense officials as a huge revenue-generating opportunity. GSL has so far delivered close to 60 interceptor boats to marine police in India, and has the capability to turn out one vessel per week.
GSL is hoping to enter into a sustained partnership with the Indian Coast Guard for the repair and maintenance of vessels. It also wants to find prospective export customers for damage control simulators in addition to offshore patrol vessels.
It has a current order book close to Rs 2,000 crore ($429 million) and the company is expanding in phases. It is located at Vasco in the tourist-attracting state of Goa. There are some concerns over a shortage of land for expansion, and GSL has approached the Goa government for land to launch Rs 800-crore modernization plans. The first two stages are being taken up at a cost of Rs 400 crore.
GSL photo: Tarmak007 -- An Indian Defence blog with a difference