A new ship is launched from Split.
A new ship, a concrete mixing vessel, was launched yesterday at the Brodosplit shipyard for Croatian company Plovput, reports Slobodna Dalmacija on August 13, 2015.
As is usual on such occasions, godmother of the ship, Adriana Batušić, a former resident of a home for foster care in Karlovac, revealed the name of the ship – “Plovput Split” – and wished good luck to the ship and her crew. This was followed by the traditional cutting of the rope with an axe and smashing of a bottle of champagne, after which the ship slid into the sea.
“I am proud of Plovput and of this ship which can do everything asked of her, because it is full of special equipment. I hope she will have a long and happy life”, said Tomislav Debeljak, general manager of Brodosplit shipyard. He reminded those present that a few days ago the first half of the restructuring process was completed. He added that he is very proud of everything that the Split shipyard produces – heavy lifters, mini-cruise ships, luxury yachts and various shipbuilding elements.
Darko Meštrović, director of Plovput, said that the launching represents a significant event for the company, but also for the entire Croatian maritime and shipbuilding industry. “The three-year effort has paid off, even though there are still four months until the completion of construction. The boat will be presented on December 6th, the feast of the sailors”, said the manager of Plovput and stressed that the investment in the new concrete mixing vessel amounts to 54.3 million kuna, which Plovput invested from its own resources, without any help from the state. He announced that the company will invest 86 million kuna in increasing the level of safety of navigation, also from its own budget.
Before the launch, transportation minister Siniša Hajdaš Dončić said that Plovput will forever remain a state company. “Security has no alternative. I am happy that the Croatian shipyard got the job on an international tender. Croatia is going forward!” said the minister.
The new ship has a total length of 48.20 metres and width of 11.30 metres. It will take part in the construction of new navigation aids, in the maintenance of existing signalling facilities, and in the most complex operations at sea.
