The Fleet provides a strategic reach and mobility to the navy as it can operate for prolonged periods at sea
A ‘Steel Cutting’ ceremony was held at the state-owned Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam on 10th April 2024 for the first of the five Fleet Support Ships(FSS).. The Defence Secretary, Giridhar Aramane attended the ceremony in the presence of Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, Commodore Hemant Khatri (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director of HSL, amongst other senior naval and HSL officials, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The steel-cutting ceremony is the first tangible step in the construction process of a ship and is one of the few traditions that remain from the old days when they used traditional wood. It refers to the moment when the production process of a ship starts. During the ceremony, the ship’s purchaser and vendor are joined by company officials to press the start button of the laser cutter, ceremonially. A steel profile cutter cuts the sheet of steel (intended for the vessel’s hull) to the desired shape and could be later featured as a design on the ship or as a simple keepsake of the venture. The time between cutting the steel plate and when the ship is launched and put to work can be up to two years or more.
A contract was signed with HSL for the acquisition of five Fleet Support Ships last year in August. The ships are scheduled to be delivered to the Indian Navy, commencing mid-2027. Once the Fleet Support Ships are inducted into the Indian Navy it will bolster the ‘Blue Water’ capabilities of India’s Naval power through replenishment of fleet ships at sea. The ships have more than 40,000 tonnes displacement and are capable of delivering fuel, water, ammunition, and stores enabling the Navy for prolonged operations without needing to return to the harbour, thus enhancing the Fleet’s strategic reach and mobility, said the ministry.
Another capability of these ships is that they are equipped for Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief operations for evacuation of personnel in emergencies and quick delivery of relief material at the site during natural calamities. In recent times India has played a crucial role in aid and relief operations throughout the Indian Ocean and has received global recognition for its humanitarian efforts in the region.
The HSL underscores India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative as the ships are completely indigenously designed with most of its equipment being indigenously manufactured. India’s growing shipbuilding capabilities are expected to boost the Indian Shipbuilding Industry and are aligned with the Make in India, and Make for the World, said the ministry.
Team BharatShakti
