Raksha Mantri Launches Indigenous Fleet Support Ship and Infrastructure at Hindustan Shipyard
Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh launched the first indigenous Fleet Support Ship (FSS-1) named 'Surya', laid the keel for the fifth Fleet Support Ship (FSS-5), and inaugurated upgraded infrastructure including Slipway-4 and a 300-tonne Goliath Crane at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam on October 06, 2026. The event marks a significant milestone in strengthening India's indigenous maritime capability and enhancing HSL's capacity to build larger and more complex ships.
The Fleet Support Ships are designed and built indigenously by HSL and feature enhanced cargo and fluid capacity, onboard first-line maintenance workshops, a helicopter deck for Multi-Role Helicopter operations, and self-defence systems. These vessels will significantly strengthen the Indian Navy's operational reach, endurance, and effectiveness in the Indian Ocean Region by providing essential at-sea replenishment and sustained support capabilities for extended naval operations.
Infrastructure Upgrades for Enhanced Shipbuilding Capacity
The upgraded Slipway-4 has been extended and strengthened to enable HSL to build and launch ships of up to 45,000 DWT, representing a substantial increase in construction capacity. The 300-tonne Goliath Crane, spanning Slipways 3 and 4, was designed and manufactured by M/s L&T Geostructure with Konecranes under the Make in India initiative. The crane is equipped with advanced features including PLC controls, Variable Frequency Drives, tandem lifting capability, remote diagnostics, and condition monitoring systems, enabling faster and more precise handling of heavier blocks for modern block construction methods.
Strategic Vision for Maritime Industrial Ecosystem
The Defence Minister emphasized that HSL's achievement of Miniratna Category-I status in 2025 reflects its transformation and sustained efforts under the Ministry of Defence. He outlined a comprehensive vision for developing Visakhapatnam as a major Maritime Industrial Hub by integrating naval expertise, shipbuilding capability, engineering talent, port infrastructure, and skilled manpower. The minister called for closer integration of HSL with Andhra Pradesh's industrial ecosystem, including MSMEs as suppliers, universities for research and skill development, technology companies for digital shipbuilding support, and startups for maritime technology development.
Key priorities identified include timely delivery as an organizational culture, learning from global shipyards, strengthening indigenous design capability, developing partnerships with MSMEs and startups, and building lifecycle capabilities. The minister stressed that India's objective should extend beyond self-reliance to global competitiveness, with Indian shipyards aspiring to serve friendly nations and international markets while developing a global presence in maritime technology, ship repair, maintenance services, and engineering expertise.
Historical Context and Attendees
The event recalled HSL's historical significance, noting the launch of India's first post-independence ship 'Jala Usha' in Visakhapatnam in 1948. The ceremony was attended by Admiral Krishna Swaminathan (Chief of Naval Staff), Shri Janardhan Reddy (Andhra Pradesh Minister of Roads, Buildings, Infrastructure & Development), Shri Sribharat Mathukumilli (MP, Visakhapatnam), Shri Sanjeev Kumar (Secretary, Defence Production), Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla (FoC-in-C, Eastern Naval Command), Additional Director General Donny Michael (Coast Guard Commander, Eastern Seaboard), and Rear Admiral C Raghuram (Retd), Chairman & Managing Director of HSL, along with senior officers from the Indian Navy and Ministry of Defence.