Fleet Support Ship ‘Surya’ launched as India boosts indigenous naval capabilities

Visakhapatnam: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday launched the first indigenous Fleet Support Ship (FSS-1), named ‘Surya’, at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam, marking a major milestone in India’s shipbuilding and maritime capabilities.

Singh also laid the keel of the fifth Fleet Support Ship (FSS-5) and inaugurated the upgraded Slipway-4 and a 300-tonne Goliath Crane at HSL.

Describing the three developments as milestones for the shipyard, Singh said, “The launch of FSS-1 is a symbol of achievement, keel laying of FSS-5 is a symbol of resolve and the new Slipway is a symbol of our growing capability.”

The Fleet Support Ships are designed to enhance the Indian Navy’s operational reach and endurance, particularly during prolonged deployments in the Indian Ocean Region. The vessels will provide at-sea replenishment and sustained logistical and maintenance support to naval operations.

Designed and built indigenously by HSL, the ships will have enhanced cargo and fluid capacity, first-line maintenance workshops, a helicopter deck for multi-role helicopter operations and self-defence systems.

The upgraded Slipway-4 has been extended and strengthened to enable HSL to build and launch ships of up to 45,000 DWT. The 300-tonne Goliath Crane spanning Slipways 3 and 4 will facilitate faster and more precise handling of heavier ship blocks.

Singh called for HSL to become a benchmark for quality, productivity and timely delivery. He also urged the development of Visakhapatnam as a major maritime industrial hub by integrating the Navy, shipyards, ports, MSMEs, universities, startups and technology companies.

The Defence Minister said India’s objective should move beyond self-reliance towards global competitiveness, with Indian shipyards aspiring to serve international markets in shipbuilding, repair, maintenance and maritime technology.