One plank at a time; preserving boat constructing heritage


KARACHI:

A ship is sort of a pet. It is costly, it is lots of work, and it is all the time shedding. This joke apart, boat constructing actually consumes lots of money and time – and requires skilled craftsmanship.

Boat constructing is an historical craft, with first reference discovered within the biblical story of Prophet Noah’s ark.

In Karachi, the traditional artwork continues to flourish at Kala Pani Jetty close to Fish Harbour in opposition to the backdrop of the limitless blue seas.

Right here, grasp craftsmen, utilizing conventional instruments and strategies, are working tirelessly to construct a 100-tonne fishing trawler. This gigantic vessel, constructed for a seafood dealer in Balochistan, stands as a testomony to the resilience of conventional craftsmanship within the face of recent technological developments.

The fishing trawler, which has been beneath building for the previous 18 months, measures 57 ft in size, 50 ft in width, and 24 ft in top. It’s powered by a 580-horsepower engine and options state-of-the-art chilly storage tanks able to preserving its catch for as much as a month.

Designed to accommodate 50 fishermen, this trawler is an engineering marvel, mixing conventional picket structure with fashionable performance.

The boat is being constructed beneath the supervision of grasp craftsman Farid Abdul Rahman, a fourth-generation boat builder.

Farid learnt this centuries-old artwork from his forefathers and is now passing it on to his son, Siraj. The method begins with the skilful meeting of the keel, curved picket planks, beams, and the foundational “sakhan” on the boat’s flooring.

The development entails numerous high-quality woods akin to Acacia Nilotica (kikar), Burma Teak, Chir Pine (pratal), Eucalyptus, Indian Rosewood (sheesham), Cedar, and imported African timber.

“We’ve been retaining this craft alive regardless of the shortage of presidency help,” stated Farid. “This trawler shall be used for catching massive fish, together with the prized saua, whose meat sells for tens of millions.”

The vessel, regionally referred to as a “Wealthy,” options three storeys with a sublime design paying homage to Mughal structure. Its decrease and higher decks are adorned with intricate Kashmiri-style carvings, sturdy picket pillars, and latticed panels. The trawler shouldn’t be solely useful but additionally aesthetically pleasing, making it an emblem of conventional craftsmanship.

Kala Pani Jetty is a hub of boat constructing, with vessels of varied sizes being constructed for native use and worldwide consumers, together with these from Dubai and Iran. The sounds of heavy sawing machines and hammering resonate throughout the world, whereas tall, house-like boats stand as a testomony to the dedication of those artisans.

Regardless of the appearance of recent fiberglass vessels, picket boats stay in style for his or her sturdiness in harsh saltwater circumstances, boasting a lifespan of 10 to fifteen years.

Farid expressed considerations over the challenges confronted by boat builders at Kala Pani. “We lack primary facilities like electrical energy, water, and sanitation,” he stated. He additionally spoke in regards to the technical difficulties of launching these huge boats into the water. The method requires massive cranes and precision to keep away from harm.

The price of these boats ranges from Rs4 million to tens of tens of millions, relying on their dimension and options. Smaller boats just like the “Tukdi,” which accommodates two fishermen, and the bigger “Qatra,” able to carrying 65 fishermen, are additionally constructed on the jetty. Regardless of the hardships, the demand for these boats stays excessive. A whole bunch are constructed yearly to fulfill the wants of Pakistan’s fishing trade, in addition to for export.

Farid proudly recalled constructing a 70-foot boat for Iran, a venture that took 4 years to finish.

As the large trawler nears completion, it serves as a reminder of the dedication and experience of Karachi’s boat builders.

With their craftsmanship, they proceed to draw reward from world wide, together with from Arab consumers who ceaselessly go to Kala Pani to admire the artistry.