Indian Navy Inducts 9th ACTCM Barge LSAM 23 to Enhance Maritime Logistics.
Defence
On March 12, 2025, the Indian Navy (IN) conducted the induction ceremony of the 9th Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge, Landing Ship Ammunition (LSAM) 23 (Yard 133), at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Commodore Manish Vig, General Manager (Quality Assurance), Naval Dockyard (Mumbai), was the Chief Guest at the event.
- In 2021, the Indian Navy signed a contract with Thane (Maharashtra)-based M/s Suryadipta Projects Private Limited, a Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) shipyard, for the construction and delivery of 11 ACTCM Barges.
- Out of these, 8 barges have already been delivered.
- The shipyard has also secured an additional contract to build 4 Sullage Barges for the Indian Navy, reflecting the Navy’s commitment to supporting MSMEs.
Main Point :- (i) The ACTCM Barges were indigenously designed by the shipyard in collaboration with an Indian Ship Designing firm. To ensure seaworthiness, the design underwent model testing at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The construction adheres to the regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
(ii) The induction of LSAM 23 aligns with the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, reinforcing self-reliance in defense manufacturing. This step highlights India's growing capabilities in indigenous shipbuilding and maritime logistics.
(iii) These barges will enhance the Indian Navy’s operational efficiency by enabling the seamless transportation, embarkation, and disembarkation of ammunition and essential supplies to naval platforms, both at jetties and outer harbors, ensuring sustained maritime operations.
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