Rajnath Singh Launches India’s First Fleet Support Ship ‘Surya’

• Rajnath Singh launches indigenous Fleet Support Ship ‘Surya’
• Keel laid for fifth Fleet Support Ship
• HSL gets upgraded Slipway-4 and 300-tonne Goliath Crane
• Visakhapatnam proposed as a major Maritime Industrial Hub

GG News Bureau
Vishakhapatnam, 7th Oct: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh on Tuesday launched FSS-1 ‘Surya’, India’s first indigenous Fleet Support Ship, at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam, marking a significant step in strengthening the country’s maritime and shipbuilding capabilities.

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

Describing the three developments as milestones with wider significance, Singh said, “The launch of FSS1 is a symbol of achievement, keel laying of FSS5 is a symbol of resolve and the new Slipway is a symbol of our growing capability.”

He said the developments would strengthen HSL’s shipbuilding capacity while contributing to the broader foundation of India’s maritime power.

‘Surya’ to strengthen Navy’s operational endurance
The Fleet Support Ship programme is aimed at strengthening the Indian Navy’s reach, endurance and operational effectiveness in the Indian Ocean Region.

Singh noted that naval operations over extended periods and in distant maritime areas require more than warships. Logistics, maintenance and sustained at-sea support are equally important to maintain operational endurance.

Built indigenously by HSL, FSS-1 ‘Surya’ will provide at-sea replenishment and sustained support to naval operations. The vessels will feature enhanced cargo and fluid capacity, onboard first-line maintenance workshops, a helicopter deck for Multi-Role Helicopter operations and self-defence systems.

The ship was launched following traditional honours performed by Laila Swaminathan, President, Navy Wives Wellness Association (NWWA), and entered the Bay of Bengal amid cheers from those gathered at the ceremony.

HSL prepares for larger shipbuilding programmes
The upgraded Slipway-4 has been extended and strengthened to enable HSL to build and launch ships of up to 45,000 DWT.

The newly installed 300-tonne Goliath Crane, spanning Slipways 3 and 4, has been designed and manufactured by L&T Geostructure with Konecranes under the Make in India initiative.

Equipped with PLC controls, variable frequency drives, tandem lifting, remote diagnostics and condition monitoring, the crane is expected to improve the speed and precision of handling heavier ship blocks.

The upgraded infrastructure will allow HSL to undertake larger and more complex shipbuilding programmes and support modern block construction.

Visakhapatnam envisioned as maritime industrial hub
Singh said self-reliance was an important milestone, but global competitiveness should be the next goal for Indian shipyards.

He called for HSL to become more closely integrated with Andhra Pradesh’s wider industrial ecosystem, with MSMEs supplying components, universities contributing to research and skills, technology companies supporting digital shipbuilding and startups developing maritime technologies.

The Raksha Mantri also stressed Visakhapatnam’s strategic advantage, citing the presence of the Eastern Naval Command, Naval Dockyard, HSL and Visakhapatnam Port.

He called for the city to be developed as a major Maritime Industrial Hub, bringing together naval expertise, shipbuilding, engineering, port infrastructure, research and skilled manpower.

Singh also called for closer integration among the Navy, HSL, DRDO, academia, industry, MSMEs and startups, saying India’s maritime strength could not be built by the Navy or shipyards alone.

Focus on quality, productivity and timely delivery
Singh urged HSL to establish itself as a benchmark for quality, productivity and timely delivery.

“Our goal should be simple and clear — Design better. Build faster. Deliver on time. Operate efficiently and do Maintenance effectively,” he said.

He identified timely delivery, productivity, indigenous design, supply-chain resilience, skilled manpower, capacity and cost competitiveness as key factors in making India a globally competitive shipbuilding nation.

The Raksha Mantri called for timely delivery to become an organisational culture, greater learning from leading global shipyards, stronger indigenous design capabilities, partnerships with MSMEs and startups, and development of lifecycle capabilities.

He also stressed closer coordination between the Navy and shipyards.

Singh said India’s maritime ambitions should extend beyond self-reliance to global competitiveness, with Indian shipyards aspiring to serve friendly countries and international markets in shipbuilding, maritime technology, repair, maintenance and engineering services.