250-Tonne Slipway Cradle Launched in Kochi to Boost Marine Fisheries Infrastructure.

In a significant development for India’s marine fisheries sector, Union Minister of State for Fisheries George Kurian recently commissioned a newly constructed 250-tonne capacity slipway cradle in Kochi. The facility is designed to enhance docking and maintenance capabilities for a wide range of vessels, from fishermen boats to research vessels.

Built by the Fishery Survey of India at a cost of ₹1.78 crore, the heavy-duty steel cradle is the largest government-owned vessel handling platform in the country. It allows for the safe hauling and launching of vessels weighing up to 250 tonnes displacement.

Calling the cradle “a milestone in India’s journey towards realizing the vision of a sustainable Blue Economy,” the minister highlighted the facility’s benefits for fishermen, government agencies, and other marine sector stakeholders. The slipway cradle will also support continuous marine research operations, facilitating uninterrupted surveys, stock assessments, and ecosystem monitoring essential for sustainable fisheries management.