Defence Minister launches first indigenous FSS ‘Surya’ at HSL

Visakhapatnam: Signalling India’s growing indigenous shipbuilding capabilities, Defence Minister launched the first Fleet Support Ship christened ‘Surya’ at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam on October 6 (Tuesday).

Alongside the launch of the first FSS, the Defence Minister laid the keel of FSS-5 and inaugurated the upgraded Slipway-4 and a 300-tonne Goliath Crane at the shipyard.

Referring to the ship launch and keel-laying as a major milestone, a sign of India’s resolve and growing maritime capabilities, Rajnath Singh said, “Along with building ships, HSL is focusing on strengthening the foundation of India’s maritime power for the future.”

Emphasising that Indian shipyard should compete with the world’s leading shipyard in terms of quality, cost, technology and delivery, the Defence Minister called for HSL to become more closely integrated with Andhra Pradesh’s broader industrial ecosystem. He mentioned that under the leadership of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, the state’s MSMEs could become suppliers, universities could contribute to research and skill development, tech companies could support digital shipbuilding and start-ups to develop maritime technologies. “The agenda should be to develop a complete shipbuilding ecosystem around HSL,” the Defence Minister underlined.

Even as India possesses immense potential in shipbuilding, the Defence Minister emphasised that transforming it into capabilities to cater to global competitiveness is another challenge altogether.

Encouraging shipbuilders to work toward this direction, the Defence Minister called upon paying special attention to some key focus areas such as apt delivery, design capacity, cost effectiveness and skilled manpower.

These assets mark a significant step in strengthening HSL’s capacity to build bigger and complex ships and enhance navy’s reach and endurance.

FSS-1 ‘Surya’ was launched ceremoniously as president of Navy Wives Wellness Association Laila Swaminathan names it following the traditional the honours.

The Fleet Support Ships will replenish combat ships at sea so that their mission continues uninterrupted.

Designed and constructed by the HSL, each FSS features enhanced cargo and fluid capacity, onboard first-line maintenance workshops, a helicopter deck for multi-role operations and self-defence systems.