Keel Laying Ceremony Held for Second Fleet Support Ship at L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli

The contract for the acquisition of five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) was signed between the Indian Navy and HSL in August 2023, with deliveries scheduled to commence by mid-2027.

The keel-laying ceremony for the second of the five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) being constructed for the Indian Navy took place at M/s L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli. The event was attended by Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, Controller Warship Production & Acquisition, along with senior officials from the Indian Navy, Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), and M/s L&T.

The contract for the acquisition of five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) was signed between the Indian Navy and HSL in August 2023, with deliveries scheduled to commence by mid-2027. In a strategic move to leverage the nation's shipbuilding capacity and ensure timely completion, HSL has subcontracted the construction of two of these vessels to M/s L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli, reinforcing the efficiency of the public-private partnership model.

Upon induction, the FSS will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s Blue Water operational capabilities by facilitating at-sea replenishment of fleet units. With a displacement of over 40,000 tons, these ships will be equipped to carry fuel, water, ammunition, and essential supplies, enabling prolonged naval operations without requiring port calls. Additionally, these vessels will play a crucial secondary role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions, providing rapid evacuation and the delivery of critical relief materials during emergencies and natural calamities.

A hallmark of this project is its strong emphasis on indigenous design and manufacturing, with a majority of the equipment sourced from Indian manufacturers. This initiative aligns with the Government of India's flagship programs such as Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India, and Make for the World, thereby propelling the Indian shipbuilding industry to new heights and strengthening self-reliance in defense production.

The successful keel laying of the second FSS marks a significant milestone in the Indian Navy’s fleet expansion efforts and reiterates the commitment of Indian shipyards to delivering state-of-the-art naval assets that meet global standards.