New Delhi/Visakhapatnam: In a significant stride toward self-reliance in defence production, Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) held a keel laying ceremony for India’s first Fleet Support Ship (FSS) at the HSL building dock. Vice Admiral B Sivakumar, AVSM, VSM, Controller Warship Production & Acquisition of the Indian Navy, presided over the event, symbolizing the Navy’s deepening confidence in HSL's capabilities.
The Fleet Support Ship, a 44,000-ton vessel, is under construction with a remarkable 80 percent indigenous content, demonstrating HSL’s commitment to India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Designed to support naval operations, the ship will provide fuel, water, ammunition, and other essential supplies to India’s fleet while at sea. This capability will significantly enhance the Navy’s operational reach and strategic endurance, marking a new chapter in India’s maritime capabilities.
Since its transfer to the Ministry of Defence in 2010, HSL has focused on scaling its shipbuilding expertise. This keel-laying event is a fulfillment of a long-standing ambition for the shipyard, underscoring its role as a strategic asset for India's defense industry. The project will not only boost HSL’s standing but will also generate employment, creating approximately 169 lakh man-days over eight years. It will further stimulate economic activity across related industries, with an estimated 550 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) set to participate.
This milestone reflects both the evolution of HSL's shipbuilding capabilities and India's vision for a self-reliant defense ecosystem. The shipyard’s progress aligns with the broader goals of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, marking a proud moment for India’s defense industry and supporting sectors.
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