Pakistan, Turkey Collaborate On Building New Fleet Tanker

Pakistan’s Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW)  has launched a 17,000-tonne heavy Warship fleet tanker, which was being constructed by the company in collaborating with the Turkish firm Savunma Teknologiler Muhendisilik (STM).

The fleet tanker launched on Friday at the company’s facility, Dawn reported.

The overall length of the ship is 158.4 m and its maximum width is 22 m and it has a scantling displacement of over 17,000 tonnes. The platform is powered by two diesel engines driving two variable pitch propellers, and can achieve a top speed of 20 kt.

Though the company has not given any details on the ship’s cargo facility, the image on its website show two replenishment-at-sea (RAS) masts, one on the port and another on starboard sides. The vessel also features a helicopter deck, allowing for vertical replenishment operations.

Steel for the tanker was first cut on 27 November 2013, and its keel was laid on 7 March 2014, according to KSEW.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reached Karachi to participate in the launching ceremony of Navy Warship fleet tanker.