Paradip Port Trust is interested in acquiring the Indian Coast Guard ship ‘Vajra’ which was decommissioned recently with full armed forces honours to convert it to a international maritime centre for higher learning cum naval museum.
The PPT has sent a proposal in this regard to the Ministry of Defence. The authority of PPT has not only been taken different steps to handle all time record cargo of 102 million tones surpassing past record in the history of Paradip port but has also taken steps to develop Paradip port as tourist destination.
A proposal to convert the vessel to a learning centre cum museum has been sent to the Ministry of Defence by the port here. The port wants the ministry to hand over Vajra to it for the purpose.
ICG Ship Vajra named after the weapon of Lord Indra was commissioned on 22nd December 1988. During her life span, the ship sailed for 52966 hours at sea and covered a total distance of 524299 nautical miles.
She saved 34 valuable lives and apprehended 28 fishing vessels for poaching in Indian waters during these operations. On 20 February, the vessel was decommissioned in Paradip.
On Thursday, deputy inspector general, ICG Mr Rajesh Makwana and other coast guard officials interacted with Chairman, PPT Mr Rinkesh Roy and discussed about the handing over the ship to PPT.
They also located the spot on sea beach of port area to shift IGC ship from berth to sea beach to use as museum for tourists. Chairman, PPT Mr Rinkesh Roy said the Ministry of Defence is agreeable to the proposal.
He hoped that the process of handing over the vessel to PPT will take place soon. PPT has decided to provide nearly one acre land for said purpose , he informed.