New Delhi, Defense Secretary Giridhar Aramane on Wednesday presided over the "first steel cutting" of Fleet Support Ships (FSS) for the Indian Navy at the Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam, officials said.
The FSS, under construction at HSL, is "the first of its kind with a displacement of 44,000 tonnes" and will play a vital role in replenishing the fleet with fuel, water, ammunition and stores, thereby expanding operational capabilities. The Navy is further expanding its strategic reach, the Defense Minister said in a statement.
The Defense Secretary also laid the foundation stone for expansion of SLIPWA and modernization of key infrastructure to enhance the capability and capacity of the yard.
The ongoing infrastructure upgrade including installation of “state-of-the-art 300T Goliath Crane and Slipway Upgrade” will further enhance HSL's ability to undertake future projects such as FSS and Landing Platform Dock, thereby meeting the defense and commercial sector requirements. Its role will be strengthened. 'Self-reliant India' initiative has been added to this.
In his address, Aramane termed HSL as "government property".
He said the current shipbuilding trend is showing an "upcoming surge" in orders from the bot defense and commercial sector, and HSL should be ready to take up the challenge.
HSL CMD, Commodore (Retd) Hemant Khatri expressed his gratitude to the Defense Secretary for playing an important role in the revival of HSL. He underlined the importance of the creation of FSS as it provides business to about 550 MSMEs in and around Visakhapatnam and employment opportunities to more than 3,000 personnel, the statement said.
The ceremony was also attended by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Easter Naval Command and others.
The FSS, under construction at HSL, is "the first of its kind with a displacement of 44,000 tonnes" and will play a vital role in replenishing the fleet with fuel, water, ammunition and stores, thereby expanding operational capabilities. The Navy is further expanding its strategic reach, the Defense Minister said in a statement.
The Defense Secretary also laid the foundation stone for expansion of SLIPWA and modernization of key infrastructure to enhance the capability and capacity of the yard.
The ongoing infrastructure upgrade including installation of “state-of-the-art 300T Goliath Crane and Slipway Upgrade” will further enhance HSL's ability to undertake future projects such as FSS and Landing Platform Dock, thereby meeting the defense and commercial sector requirements. Its role will be strengthened. 'Self-reliant India' initiative has been added to this.
In his address, Aramane termed HSL as "government property".
He said the current shipbuilding trend is showing an "upcoming surge" in orders from the bot defense and commercial sector, and HSL should be ready to take up the challenge.
HSL CMD, Commodore (Retd) Hemant Khatri expressed his gratitude to the Defense Secretary for playing an important role in the revival of HSL. He underlined the importance of the creation of FSS as it provides business to about 550 MSMEs in and around Visakhapatnam and employment opportunities to more than 3,000 personnel, the statement said.
The ceremony was also attended by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Easter Naval Command and others.