The Indian Navy has launched the first fleet support ship (FSS-1) and laid the keel of the fifth vessel (FSS-5) in this class at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam.
The event took place today (October 6), and Rajnath Singh, India's Minister of Defense, also inaugurated the upgraded Slipway-4 and 300-tonne Goliath Crane.
FSS-1, named Surya, was launched following the traditional honours performed by Laila Swaminathan, President, Navy Wives Wellness Association (NWWA). The vessel entered the waters of the Bay of Bengal.
Designed and built indigenously by HSL, the fleet support ships will feature enhanced cargo and fluid capacity, onboard first-line maintenance workshops, a helicopter deck for multi-role helicopter operations and self-defense systems.
Meanwhile, the upgraded Slipway-4 has been extended and strengthened to enable HSL to build and launch ships of up to 45,000 DWT. The 300-tonne Goliath Crane spanning Slipways 3 and 4 has been designed and manufactured by M/s L&T Geostructure with Konecranes under Make in India.
Equipped with PLC controls, variable frequency drives, tandem lifting, remote diagnostics and condition monitoring, the crane will enable faster and more precise handling of heavier blocks for modern block construction. The new infrastructure is expected to strengthen HSL’s ability to undertake larger and more complex shipbuilding programmes and support modern block construction.
Addressing the gathering, Singh said the three milestones had significance beyond the individual achievements.
“The launch of FSS1 is a symbol of achievement, keel laying of FSS5 is a symbol of resolve and the new Slipway is a symbol of our growing capability," he added.
He further said India’s objective should go beyond self-reliance to global competitiveness. Indian shipyards should aspire to serve friendly nations and international markets and develop a global presence in maritime technology, ship repair and maintenance services and engineering expertise.