Article Posted on : - Oct 12, 2010

A file photo.

KOCHI (BNS): The Southern Naval Command on Monday augmented its flotilla of auxiliary craft with the induction of a 930-tonne craft, Ambuda, to the naval ship repair yard.

The induction ceremony was conducted by Commodore Ajay Kumar Sinha, Chief Staff Officer (Technical), Southern Naval Command at South Jetty, Naval Base, according to the Indian English daily, The Hindu.

The vessel, operated by a crew of 19 and headed by TN Preshi is 50 m long and is fitted with two engines. The barge capable of speeds up to 12 Knots is named after the previous auxiliary craft which served the Indian Navy for over 40 years and deinducted in February 2007.

The auxiliary craft has a capacity of 500 tonne fresh water and is capable of serving Navy's Warships at anchorage outside the harbour and elsewhere to ensure quick operational turnaround. She has all the essential and latest communication and navigation equipment and carries a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB), a news release said here.

Ambuda, built by Vipul Shipyard, Surat, is the third of the series of such vessels built by the shipyard for the Indian Navy.