HSL has partnered with Kongsberg Maritime to provide advanced RAS equipment for FSS.
Defence
In December 2024, Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), based in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP), formed a strategic maritime partnership with Kongsberg Maritime, a leading provider of marine systems and solutions based in Kongsberg, Norway. This collaboration aims to supply advanced Replenishment-at-Sea (RAS) equipment for the Indian Navy’s (IN) fleet of five Fleet Support Ships (FSS), which will improve operational capabilities and logistical efficiency.
- In August 2023, the Ministry of Defense (MoD) signed a contract with Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) for the acquisition of five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) for the Indian Navy, with an estimated cost of Rs 19,000 crore.
- Fleet Support Ships (FSS) are large naval vessels designed to provide essential support to the Indian Navy (IN). More than 50% of the components for the FSS project will be sourced locally, in line with India's vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India).
- The FSS will serve both military and humanitarian purposes. They can be used for emergency evacuations or to deliver relief supplies to areas affected by disasters during Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
Main Point :- (i) The delivery of these ships is expected to begin by mid-2027, with the keel-laying ceremony for the first ship taking place in November 2024 at HSL in Visakhapatnam.
(ii) These ships, weighing over 40,000 tonnes, will carry vital supplies such as fuel, water, and ammunition to warships, allowing them to operate far from ports.
(iii) The FSS will help the Navy stay operational for longer periods without needing to return to port.
About Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL)
CMD: Hemant Khatri
Headquarters: Andhra Pradesh (AP)
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