Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has approached the Union Environment Ministry seeking its approval for building a new dry dock within the existing shipyard premises to accommodate very large ships.
Presenting its case before a high-level Environment Ministry panel recently, the CSL has said the overall length of the dry dock is proposed to be 320 meters out of which 20 meters would be extended in to back water.
The proposed dry dock shall be constructed in maximum 15 acres of land within the existing Cochin Shipyard premises and no additional land shall be acquired for the purpose. The shipyard is located on MG road within Kochi city.
According to CSL, the dock would have one Goliath Crane of capacity of 400 tonnes, two LLTT cranes each of capacity of 50 tonnes and mechanical, electrical and service facilities, which would be required for the operation of dock.
The 45 meter of the crane track would project in the water, it says.
CSL has informed the Expert Appraisal Committee for Projects related to Infrastructure Development, Coastal Regulation Zone, Building/Construction and Miscellaneous projects that "no shore line change anticipated due to the proposed project activity."
According to the CSL, the existing two dry docks cannot handle repair or building activities of large vessels namely jack up rigs, aircraft carriers, LNG carriers and semisubmersibles, hence, it is proposed to build a new dry dock, to undertake such activities within the existing premises of the Shipyard.
Considering the case, the panel has observed that the site is too close to private residential settlements, which are at a distance of about 15 meters. It is also located close to Naval base of Southern Naval Command.
The panel has asked the CSL to submit several details including that of possible effects of excavation in all neighbouring areas, oil spill contingency plan, assessment of noise level, particularly for night operations and measures proposed for control of noise pollution.
