The Indian Navy will soon get its third Fleet Support Ship (FSS). The construction contract of FSS is with L&T Shipyard, which will construct two of the five ships of the project under a public-private partnership with HSL to leverage the capacity of India's shipbuilding industry.
The Keel Laying ceremony of the third FSS was held at the L&T Shipyard at Kattupalli on Wednesday, in the presence of VAdm Rajaram Swaminathan, Controller Warship Production & Acquisition at M/s L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli.
Keel Laying ceremony is a maritime tradition, marking the formal start of a ship's construction, where the initial part of the ship's keel -- the vessel's backbone -- is positioned in the construction dock.
The Indian Navy had signed a contract with HSL for the acquisition of Five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) in August 2023, with the delivery schedule commencing mid-2027. HSL has sub-contracted the construction of two ships to M/s L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli, to effectively utilise the country's shipbuilding capacity and meet stringent timelines for delivery.
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The indigenously designed and built warship will have key equipment sourced through Indian Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
"On induction, the FSS will bolster the 'Blue Water' capabilities of the Indian Navy through replenishment of Fleet ships at sea. These ships, with a displacement of more than 40,000 tons will carry fuel, water, ammunition, and stores that enable prolonged and sustained operations of the fleet at sea, thus enhancing its reach and mobility", said a press release.
"In their secondary role, the ships will be equipped for Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations for evacuation of personnel and expeditious delivery of relief material during natural calamities," it added.
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