NEW DELHI (BNS): The steel cutting ceremony of third of the five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) for the Indian Navy has been held at the L&T Shipyard in Kattupalli on Feb 20, 2025 in the presence of R Adm Satish Shenai, Flag Officer Commanding Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Naval Area and senior officials from Indian Navy, Hindustan Ship Yard Limited (HSL) and L&T.

The Indian Navy had signed a contract with HSL for acquisition of Five Fleet Support Ships in August 2023, with delivery slated to commence from mid-2027.

Showcasing the strength of Public - Private partnership, HSL has contracted part construction of two FSS to L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli to effectively utilise country’s shipbuilding capacity and meet stringent timelines for delivery.

On induction, the FSS will bolster the “Blue Water” capabilities of Indian Navy through replenishment of Fleet ships at sea, an official release said.

These ships, with a displacement of more than 40,000 tons, will carry fuel, water, ammunition and stores enabling prolonged operations without returning to harbour, thus enhancing the Fleet’s extended reach and mobility.

In their secondary role, the ships would be equipped for Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations for evacuation of personnel and expeditious delivery of relief material during natural calamities.

With a completely indigenous design and sourcing of majority of equipment from indigenous manufacturers, the project would boost the Indian Shipbuilding Industry and is in consonance with GoI initiatives of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make In India and Make for the World, the statement added.