KOCHI, 11 October 2025: Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying George Kurian on Wednesday commissioned a 250-ton capacity slipway cradle facility in Kochi, marking a major advancement in India’s marine fisheries infrastructure.

Constructed by the Fishery Survey of India (FSI) at a cost of INR 1.78 crore, the facility is a heavy-duty steel structural platform designed for the safe hauling and launching of vessels up to 250 tons displacement — making it the largest government-owned vessel cradle in the country.

Describing the facility as “a milestone in India’s journey towards realizing the vision of a sustainable Blue Economy”, Kurian said the cradle will benefit fishers, research institutions, and multiple government agencies by enabling uninterrupted marine research, vessel maintenance, and ecosystem monitoring.

The Minister also highlighted ongoing initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to enhance fishers’ livelihoods. As part of the programme, transponders are being installed on fishing vessels in collaboration with ISRO to ensure sea safety and provide real-time communication and potential fishing zone forecasts.

According to FSI Director General Dr. Sreenath K. R., the cradle will be a key enabler in the deep-sea fleet modernization efforts envisioned under the PMMSY, ensuring that modern vessels remain in prime operational condition while extending their lifespan and improving safety.

The new cradle, equipped with an electric winch system, can accommodate up to six vessels simultaneously for docking, repair, and maintenance. Situated within the FSI slipway complex, the facility will serve a wide range of vessels, including those operated by the CMFRI, CIFT, Indian Coast Guard, Customs, Lakshadweep Fisheries Department, and Kochi Water Metro.

Senior officials including CIFT Director Dr. George Ninan, Coast Guard DIG Ashish Mehrotra, FSI Zonal Director Dr. Sijo P. Varghese, and Director (Engineering) Dharmvir Singh were present on the occasion.