With 82 % indigenous content, ‘Surya’ to replenish combat ships, submarines

Visakhapatnam: Strengthening India’s indigenous maritime capabilities, Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam unfolded a new growth chapter in its remarkable history. On October 6, three significant endeavours, launching the Fleet Support Ship-1 (FSS-1), laying the keel of Fleet Support Ship-5 (FSS-5) and inaugurating the upgraded Slipway-4 and 300-tonne Goliath Crane, marked a major milestone in the annals of the shipyard.

Just 18 months after steel cutting of the FSS-1, the first of the five Fleet Support Ships built for the Indian Navy entered the Bay of Bengal waters on October 6. The 43,500-tonne vessels will replenish warships at sea, extending the Indian Navy’s endurance and reach across the Indian Ocean Region and beyond. HSL is building five fleet support ships for the Indian Navy, each featuring close to 82 percent indigenous content and 60-day mission capabilities.

Designed to replenish combat ships and submarines at sea with fuel, lubricants, ammunition, food, supplies and personnel, allowing naval formations to remain deployed and continue their mission uninterrupted, these vessels primarily serve as logistics and material support for surface ships and submarines at sea.

With a length of 223.6-m and breadth of 31.5-m, the ship can carry, Surya, the first FSS, can carry 20,000 tonnes of LSHSD, 2,500 tonnes of AVCAT, 1,000 tonnes of fresh water, among others. The ship has the strength to replenish multiple warships and has self-defence systems against missiles, torpedoes and mines. As part of operational features, Surya is equipped with a helicopter deck capable of handling MRH operations up to Sea State 5. In alignment with indigenous shipbuilding, the HSL is building five Fleet Support Ships. Of them, the first FSS was launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while he also laid keel to FSS-5 at the shipyard.

After inaugurating the milestone initiatives, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh encouraged Indian shipyards to aspire to serve friendly nations and international markets and make a global presence. He stressed the need for an integrated national maritime ecosystem involving the Indian Navy, HSL, DRDO, academia, industry, MSMEs and startups.

Underlining that India’s maritime strength cannot be built by the Indian Navy or shipyards alone, the Defence Minister called for greater integration among stakeholders. After completing a series of trials, ‘Surya’ is expected to get commissioned into Indian Navy in two years.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rani Devalla

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Rani Devalla is an experienced journalist specialised in a range of beats. From crime to politics, health to human interest, education to defence along with entertainment and feature stories, Rani Devalla, an accomplished writer with a passion for exploring diverse genres, has been reporting for the past 14 years. Serving as Bureau Chief of The Hans India in Visakhapatnam, Rani Devalla contributes to the organisation's editorial department through daily reporting, special stories and feature stories. After completing B.Com, Rani Devalla pursued Masters in Human Resource Management. Prior to joining The Hans India, Rani Devalla worked as a Principal Correspondent with The Hindu Group for six-and-a-half years. With rich expertise, she brings diverse perspectives to her reporting that makes her narratives stand out. When not immersed in writing, the journalist spends time reading, travelling and journaling.

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