A steel-cutting ceremony of the first Type 054 A/P Frigates Project war ship being built for Pakistan Navy at Hudong Zhonghua (HZ) Shipyard China was held on Thursday.
The Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Kaleem Shaukat graced the ceremony as the chief guest. While addressing the ceremony, the Admiral highlighted that the project had ushered in a new era of Pak-China friendship. Both countries are held together by the affinity of trust, compassion and commonality, he said. Vice Admiral Kaleem Shaukat also lauded the concerted efforts made by China State Shipbuilding Corporation, China Shipbuilding Trading Company, China Ship Development & Design Centre, Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard and PLA (Navy) in achieving the significant milestone ahead of the schedule.
Earlier, Mr. Qian Jianping, the Vice President of the CSSC, welcomed the chief guest and underscored the significance of the project. The Vice President expressed his resolve to complete the project ahead of schedule. The ceremony was attended by Maj General Fan JianJun, Director of the Bureau of Equipment Technology Cooperation of Equipment Development Department of Central Military Commission; Rear Admiral Liu Hongwei Deputy Director of the Equipment Department of PLA Navy; Zheng Wei from Ministry of National Defence; Duan Fengshuang President CSTC; Mr Chen Wei Assistant Director General CSDDC; Chen Jian Liang Chairman HZ Shipyard; and Pakistan government and Navy officials.
National anthems of People’s Republic of China and Islamic Republic of Pakistan were played at the occasion. After the national anthems, the steel was cut for the Type 054 A/P Frigate by the chief guest.
Once constructed, the warship will be one of the largest and technologically advanced platforms of PN which will strengthen Pakistan’s capability to respond to future challenges, maintain peace and stability and balance of power in Indian Ocean region. It will also support Pakistan Navy’s initiative of securing seas for international shipping by patrolling distant waters through Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP).
Published in Daily Times, December 21st2018.
