Indian Navy Launches 10th LSAM Barge, Reinforcing Maritime Self-Reliance Goals

The LSAM 24 barge marks the penultimate vessel under the contract awarded to M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, an MSME shipyard based in Thane, Maharashtra.

In a significant milestone towards maritime self-reliance, the launching ceremony of the 10th Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge—designated as LSAM 24 (Yard 134)—was successfully held on 26 March 2025 at the facilities of M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane. The prestigious event was graced by the presence of Commodore Rahul Jagat, SPS, from the Submarine Overseeing Team (SOT), Mumbai, who attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest.

The LSAM 24 barge marks the penultimate vessel under the contract awarded to M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, an MSME shipyard based in Thane, Maharashtra. The contract, concluded on 05 March 2021, encompasses the construction of a total of eleven ACTCM Barges for the Indian Navy. These utility platforms play a vital role in supporting the Navy’s logistics chain by enabling the safe and efficient transportation of ammunition, torpedoes, missiles, and other ordnance to naval warships both in harbor and at sea.

What makes this series of vessels particularly noteworthy is their complete indigenous development. Designed in collaboration with a reputed Indian ship design firm and certified by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), these barges are a shining example of synergy between Indian maritime design and manufacturing capabilities. Prior to construction, rigorous model testing for hydrodynamic performance and seaworthiness was undertaken at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam—India’s premier naval R&D institution.

M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd has, so far, successfully delivered nine of the eleven barges to the Indian Navy. These vessels have been seamlessly integrated into naval logistics operations, contributing significantly to mission readiness and operational sustainability. The barges are already in use across various naval commands, proving their mettle in supporting critical ammunition transfers and resupply missions.

The ACTCM Barges are specially built to comply with the latest maritime safety regulations and naval operational requirements. Their robust construction and high load-carrying capacity ensure that they can endure the rigors of military logistics operations, including transfers at anchorage and alongside piers. Each barge is equipped with features that enhance crew safety, cargo handling efficiency, and overall vessel stability, making them reliable assets for the Indian Navy.

The successful execution of this project underscores India’s growing expertise in naval auxiliary shipbuilding and highlights the importance of empowering domestic industries. The project aligns seamlessly with the Government of India’s flagship initiatives—‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India)—which aim to boost indigenous production across strategic sectors including defense and shipbuilding.

As the Indian Navy steadily advances its goal of becoming a fully self-reliant maritime force, projects like the ACTCM Barge construction not only bolster fleet support capabilities but also stimulate the growth of ancillary industries, employment, and technical innovation in the country.

With just one more barge left to be delivered under the current contract, the project is on track for timely completion. The Navy’s continued collaboration with domestic shipyards like M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd is a strong indication of its commitment to nurturing local talent and enhancing indigenous capabilities in defense production.

The launch of LSAM 24 is not just a step forward in naval logistics—it is a leap towards a stronger, self-reliant maritime India.