The Hindu Business Line : Clipper Texan sails off from Cochin Shipyard

Kochi, Aug. 11 Clipper Texan, the fifth of the series of six bulk carriers being built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd for Clipper Group, Denmark sailed off from Kochi on Saturday on its first voyage.

The vessel is going to Australia to load cargo. Earlier, the vessel was formally handed over to the owner on August 10, two months ahead of schedule. This was an achievement for CSL and gave considerable value addition to the owner, a press release issued here said.

CSL is planning to deliver the last vessel of the series later this year, which would be three months ahead of schedule, the release added.

The ship is designed and built as a single crew diesel engine driven bulk carrier for restricted worldwide service. The vessel complies with the requirements for type B ships defined by the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966. The ship is capable of carrying dry bulk, break bulk cargoes such as grain, metal concentrate, iron ore, scrap metal, bauxite, salt and sugar. It can carry gross tonnage of about 19,918 tonnes.

17 vessels

At present, the yard is constructing 17 platform supply vessels for European clients and one more bulk carrier for Clipper group is under construction. The total order book of CSL is 19 ships including the Air Defence Ship for the Indian Navy.