The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): On April 10, 2024, the Defence Secretary, Shri Giridhar Aramane, oversaw the first steel cutting ceremony for the Indian Navy’s Fleet Support Ships (FSS) at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam. These vessels, each with a displacement of 44,000 tons, are designed to bolster the Navy’s capabilities by providing essential supplies such as fuel, water, ammunition, and other stores at sea, thereby enhancing the operational reach and strategic capabilities of the fleet.
During the event, Shri Aramane also initiated the expansion of the slipway and substantial infrastructure enhancements at the shipyard. These developments include the installation of a new 300-ton Goliath crane and upgrades to the existing slipway, aimed at boosting HSL’s capacity for future defense and commercial projects, including the anticipated Landing Platform Dock. These enhancements are part of India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative, aiming to strengthen the country’s indigenous manufacturing capabilities.
The Defence Secretary described HSL as a strategic asset to the government, poised to capitalize on the increasing demand for shipbuilding in both the defense and commercial sectors. The construction of the FSS is not only a significant stride in naval logistics but also a boon for the local economy, providing business to approximately 550 MSMEs and creating over 3,000 jobs in and around Visakhapatnam.
The ceremony was attended by notable military and civilian dignitaries, including the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar. Cmde Hemant Khatri (Retd), the CMD of HSL, expressed his gratitude towards the Defence Secretary for his pivotal role in the revival and progress of the shipyard, highlighting the national and regional benefits of this expansive project.