Cochin Shipyard Limited delivered the first 500 Pax passengers cum 150 Tons Cargo vessel named "Sindhu" to Andaman and Nicobar Administration on Saturday (27/3/2021). The Protocol Signing and handing over ceremony was held onboard the vessel at Cochin Shipyard. The ship would ply mainly between the groups of islands but also can call the Main Land as necessary. This project is a part of a series of Four passenger vessels comprising of 2 nos 500 Pax and 2 nos 1200 pax at a total order value of approx: 14,000 million under the "Make In India" initiative of the Government. The second 500 pax sister vessel is presently under advanced stage of construction is also expected to join the fleet in the current year. The Protocol documents were signed by Capt Ashutosh Pandey Director of Shipping Services (DSS), representing A&N administration and Shri Sivakumar A General Manager (Ship Building for CSL in the presence of Shri Madhu S Nair, CMD CSL, directors, employees and distinguished guests. This vessel which can cruise at 16 knots is built to the highest standards of the Indian Register of Shipping and American Bureau of Shipping meeting the Indian Merchant Shipping rules and is customized for Indian requirements with very high level of safety and comforts comparable to the international standards. The vessel manned with a crew of 61 is provided with deluxe cabins, first class cabins, second class cabins, bunk class and seating class that can accommodate 500 passengers in addition to 150 Tons of cargo handled using onboard fitted crane. The vessel is equipped with modern cafeteria, recreation rooms, Gymnasium, Library besides other modern amenities for the passengers including the tourists who will take full benefit of this vessel's services.