Indian Navy: Steel cut for fourth FSS at HSL

The Indian Navy has held a steel-cutting ceremony for the fourth of the five fleet support ships (FSSs) at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL).

As disclosed, the ceremony took place on June 19, 2025. The Indian Navy signed a contract with HSL for the acquisition of five FSSs in August 2023, with delivery commencing mid-2027.

On induction, the FSS will bolster the ‘Blue Water’ capabilities of the Indian Navy through replenishment of fleet ships at sea.

The ships, with a displacement of more than 40,000 tons, will deliver fuel, water, ammunition, and store to enable prolonged deployments of the fleet ships.

In their secondary role, these ships would be equipped for humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR) operations and non-combatant evacuation operations (NEO) for expeditious delivery of relief material and evacuation of personnel.

Recently, the navy contracted German engine manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES) to supply main propulsion packages for five newbuild FSSs. These will be the largest engines delivered to the Indian Navy, according to MAN ES.

The FSSs are set to play a pivotal role in the Indian Navy’s operations by providing critical logistical support during extended missions.