Goa Shipyard to tie up with foreign yards to build MCMVs

PANAJI: After bagging the deal to build Mines Counter-Measures Vessels (MCMVs) for the Indian Navy, Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) has decided to tie up with the foreign yards for the technology transfer required to create these high-tech ships.

The Union Defence Ministry had recently cleared the Rs 32,000 crore-worth project to manufacture 12 MCMVs, which will be built by the GSL.

"We will be able to roll out the vessels six years from now. The actual construction on this project will begin after three years," GSL Chairman and Managing Director Rear Admiral Shekhar Mittal said here today.

He was talking to reporters on the sidelines of launching of an OPV for the Indian Coast Guard.

Mittal said that India does not have the technology required for MCMVs.

"We don't have the technology. That is why we are going to import it. GSL has a capacity to absorb the technology," he said.

The Goa-based yard is contemplating the possibility of going for a tie-up with the foreign counterpart for technology transfer.

"We will take minimum possible technology from abroad," Mittal said.

The GSL has shortlisted countries like Russia, Spain, Sweden, Italy and Korea, where they can scout for the required technology.

"Depending on the naval specifications, we will finalise the partner," he said.

The GSL will float a global tender, inviting expression of interest for the technology transfer, Mittal added.

The MCMVs, which are part of the 'Make In India' campaign would be 50 per cent indigenous. The CMD said efforts are on to make it more than 50 per cent indigenous.