Historic Dala Shipyard: 150th anniversary celebration held in Yangon

The 150th Anniversary of the Historic Dala Shipyard was celebrated in Dala Township of Yangon Region on 1st January, with the attendance of Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

On arrival at Dala Shipyard, the Prime Minister and party were welcomed by Dala Shipyard families. Prior to the ceremony, the newly renovated No.1 dock lane which was built in 1908 was opened along with the dock wheel and new joint vessel weighing 1500 tons.

Subsequently, the Prime Minister unveiled the commemorative stone inscription and signboard of the renovated historical diesel mechanic workshop. Then, the ceremony continued by screening of a video clip commemorating the 150th anniversary of Historical Dala Shipyard and Inland Water Transport.

In his congratulatory speech, the Prime Minister highlighted that the Inland Water Transport is one of the state-owned enterprises initiated by Irrawaddy Flotilla Company in colonial era. On 1st January 1875, the company established Dala Shipyard.

As the company was reconstituted as Inland Water Transport in 1st June 1948, Dala Shipyard has become a state-owned shipyard which coexisted with Inland Water Transport. The Prime Minister stressed to continue carry out the technology exchange and transfer programs for the development of marine sector and sustainability of the historical shipyards, complying with the existing maritime rules and regulations.

It’s also necessary to accelerate coastal cargo transportation and coastal cruise operation. With the systematic fund allocation and market research, coastal cargo transportation needs to be accomplished, he added. The Prime Minister also stressed on systematic maintenance and preservation of the historical departmental workshops and buildings.

Next, member of the SAC, Deputy Prime Minister and Union Minister for Transport and Communications General Mya Tun Oo clarified the current work implementations under the guidance of the Prime Minister and tasks to be carried out.

Then, the Prime Minister received a miniature vessel model and memorial gifts commemorating the 150th Anniversary of Dala shipyeard and presented honorary cash awards for the staff of Dala shipyard. Subsequently, the Prime Minister and party made a tour to commemorative galleries where historical records of the Dala shipyard, documentary photos and miniature vessel models are displayed.

Later, the Prime Minister and party inspected the renovation process of the large vessels, testing of miniature vessel models and provided necessary instructions. Dala shipyard is the most ancient and largest shipyard of Inland Water Transport where the vessel construction, renovation and testing, vessel parts and equipment production have been carried out successfully. 

As the capacity of the shipyard is graudally decreased due to worn-out infrastructure, necessary renovation and installation processes have conducted successfully. Now, the shipyard is fully prepared to fulfill the further responsibilities of Inland Wate Transport keeping abreast with the developing mercantile system.