FRP Boat Built in India Using DIAB Materials

Built in its entirety at the Craftway Engineers boat-building yard, the 23-meter FRP boat is the first of 13 sophisticated composite vessels to be constructed on site in India.

At Craftway Engineers, it is all about the customer, the company said. With a blend of creativity, commitment and innovative thinking, the Mumbai-based company specializes in the construction of tailor-made composite vessels, meeting the specific requirements of the customer. A member of the SHM group of companies, Craftway Engineers is rapidly developing the industry of FRP vessels in India. Sophisticated composite crafts were previously imported from Europe or the U.S. but can now be constructed at Craftway’s state of the art boat-building yard, which is one of the largest in India. Major customers include ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd.), the Indian Navy, Maharashtra Maritime Board, Maharashtra Police and all the major port authorities of India.

Utilizing the knowledge of skilled naval architects and marine engineers, Craftway said it uses the latest technology, including CAD designs, to reach absolute precision in the assembly of its products.

Combining structural strength with very low weight, Craftway uses Isopthalic/Vinylester resins, multi-axial fiberglass and PVC cores in the construction of the hulls.

When in 2011 ONGC announced a tender for 13 composite ISVs (Immediate Support Vessels), the experienced engineers at Craftway knew where to turn. Having had various interactions with DIAB at boat shows in Mumbai and Goa prior to this project, the Craftway designer recommended Divinycell H80 and H60 for the construction of the boats, which will be operated by the Indian Navy. Primarily designed for use in offshore development areas, they are light surface vessels capable of operating in sea state 6 conditions, in opens seas as well as in coastal waters.  The crafts reach a speed of 40 knots and have room for 20 people.

Involving DIAB even before winning the tender, Craftway highly appreciated the company’s local presence, short lead times and excellent sales support. Staying in constant touch with the Craftway team, DIAB offered various services throughout the process of this first joint project, which is definitely not the last. Craftway has already started using DIAB core materials for the construction of other hulls, such as the 12-15 meter patrol boats and the 15 meter ambulance boats, paving the way for more FRP vessels made in India.

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