India’s Cochin Shipyard Ltd has launched the first of four new passenger/cargo ships it is building for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Administration, with the 1,200-passenger capacity Ashoka expected to enter service later this year.
Designed by Knud E. Hansen in partnership with India’s Smart Engineering & Design Solutions, the new vessel uses a diesel/electric propulsion system incorporating four diesel generator sets and two electric propulsion motors to give a service speed of 18 knots.
Passenger accommodation consists of deluxe staterooms, first- and second-class cabins and bunk-class dormitories along with dining room, cafeteria and recreational areas.
Approximately 1,000 tonnes of containerized cargo can be accommodated in an aft cargo hold served by two cranes and capable of holding up to 42 containers, six of which can be refrigerated.
Following delivery the combination ship will be employed in regular service between the Indian mainland and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands located in the Bay of Bengal.
Report by Jim Shaw
