Following the significance of CPEC project, the Pakistan Navy (PN) has initiated deliberations with China and Turkey to acquire a squadron of high speed missile boats to secure Gwadar port.

Talking to Business Recorder, an official, stood at Pakistan Navy's stall at IDEAS-2016, said that the responsibilities of the PN had been increased after the announcement of CPEC project.

"Although two PN ships have presently been deployed at Gwadar, we have planned to deploy a special squadron of high speed missile boats to secure the Pakistan's deepest port.

For the purpose, the deliberations have been initiated with China and Turkey. Replying to a question, the official said they were also working to get a share from the funds allocated for the security of the CPEC project to acquire a squadron of high speed missile boats.

He said that the PN had trained the officers from Saudi Arabia, Middle East, Sudan and Bangladesh and Ukraine and other central Asian countries had shown interest in this regard during the exhibition.

Meanwhile, an official, presented at the stall of Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works Limited (KS&EWL), said that the government was also planning to build shipyards at Gwadar and Port Qasim to meet the growing needs following the CPEC project.

He said that they were also manufacturing the Fleet Tanker (17000 ton) for the PN in collaboration with M/s STM of Turkey and added that the PN would replace its one of two Fleet Tankers acquired from Netherlands after this new one, which was expected to be inducted by the mid of next year.

He said that this Fleet Tanker would have a capacity to transport 8000 ton of fuel, 1000 ton of fresh water and other stuff.

The design of this ship, which is drafted by Turkey, is based on contemporary trends and is according to Bureau Veritas Rules for the Classification of Naval Ships and its construction by Pakistan's skilled manpower at KS&EWL, manifested an excellent combination to achieve indigenization through joint ventures with brotherly countries.

This initiative will certainly open more opportunities for further co-operation between Pakistan and Turkey in the field of indigenous warship construction and other defence sector products, he maintained.

-Business Recorder