HSL commences steel cutting of 1st fleet support ship for Indian Navy

Visakhapatnam: Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) marked a historic moment with the first steel-cutting ceremony for the Indian Navy's Fleet Support Ship by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane (IAS) by pressing button of plasma cutting machine on Wednesday, making Public Sector Day a landmark day in its history. The foundation stone for yard infrastructure augmentation was also laid by Defence Secretary on the same day.

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On the occasion, dignitaries including VAdm Rajesh Pendharkar, AVSM, VSM, FOC-in-C; A Mallikarjuna (IAS), District Collector; Dr Ravi Shankar (IPS) Commisioner of Police; Dr Y Sreenivas Rao, DS & Director General (Naval Science & Material); CM Saikanth Varma (IAS) Commissioner of GVMC etc, were present.

HSL's Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) Cmde Hemant Khatri expressed deep gratitude to the Defence Secretary for his key role in HSL's revival, underscoring its significance as one of the country's largest shipyards and a national asset. He underlined the importance of construction of FSS as it provides business to nearly 550 MSMEs in- and- around Visakhapatnam and employment opportunities to over 3000 personnel.

Aramane motivated HSL employees, emphasizing the importance of effective asset utilization amidst growing shipbuilding demands, and urged them to be prepared for any challenge. The Fleet Support Ship, under construction at HSL, is first-of-its- kind with a displacement of 44,000 tons and will play a crucial role in replenishing the fleet at sea with fuel, water, ammunition and stores and thereby extending the operational capabilities of the Navy and enhancing it's strategic reach.

Ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of a cutting-edge 300T Goliath crane and slipway upgrades, will further enhance HSL's capacity to undertake FSS and future projects like the Landing Platform Dock, reinforcing it's role in meeting the defence and commercial sector requirements under 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative. The CMD of HSL emphasized HSL's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, showcasing India's shipbuilding prowess.

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