Kochi: Fishery Survey of India (FSI) has built a slipway cradle in Kochi, which will help transfer fishing boats and research vessels for maintenance. The 250-tonne capacity slipway cradle will support docking and maintenance capabilities for a diverse range of vessels, from fishermen’s boats to research vessels. Built at a cost of Rs 1.78 crore, the cradle is a heavy-duty steel structural platform designed for safe hauling and launching of vessels up to 250 tonnes displacement. With this capacity, it is the largest govt-owned vessel cradle facility ever established in the country.

Union minister of state for fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying George Kurian said the cradle represents “a milestone in India’s journey towards realizing the vision of a sustainable blue economy.” “The facility will benefit fishers, multiple govt agencies and other stakeholders in marine sector,” he said, adding that the cradle will support uninterrupted marine research operations, enabling continuous surveys, stock assessments and ecosystem monitoring.

He said that under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), transponders are being installed on fishing vessels in collaboration with Isro to ensure safety at sea and real-time communication.

The system will also integrate potential fishing zone forecasts, enabling fishermen to access reliable information on fish-rich areas directly through these transponders.

FSI director general Sreenath K R said the slipway cradle is a critical enabler for deep-sea fleet modernization envisioned under PMMSY. “As we encourage fishers to invest in modern, technologically advanced vessels, providing them with world-class maintenance infrastructure is paramount. This facility directly supports the objectives of PMMSY by ensuring these new assets are kept in prime operational condition, enhancing their lifespan and guaranteeing safety of our fishers at sea.”

Its design ensures balanced support for vessel hulls during movement along the slipway, operating in conjunction with an electric winch system for controlled hauling from water to shore. The new cradle allows six vessels to be docked simultaneously for repair and maintenance across different berths.

FSI slipway complex in Kochi will play a pivotal role in maintaining a diverse array of vessels beyond traditional fishing boats, including those used for research and enforcement by Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Coast Guard, customs and Lakshadweep fisheries department. It can also cater to Water Metro vessels, tourism crafts, inland water transport vessels and private deep-sea operators.