India launches first fleet support ship under IRS certification
India has launched INS Surya, the first Fleet Support Ship (FSS) being built for the Indian Navy, at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam, marking a milestone in the country’s naval shipbuilding programme.
The vessel, constructed under Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) certification, measures 224 metres in length and has a displacement of approximately 43,000 tonnes.
Designed to provide logistical support to naval operations, the ship will be capable of replenishing multiple vessels at sea, supporting extended deployments and improving the operational endurance of the Indian Navy’s fleet.
Fleet support ship programme progresses
The launch of INS Surya was accompanied by the keel-laying ceremony for the fifth Fleet Support Ship at Hindustan Shipyard Limited.
The vessels are intended to support sustained naval operations by supplying ships at sea, reducing the need for frequent returns to port for replenishment.
According to IRS, the programme also reflects the growing complexity of naval platforms being constructed and certified in India.
The classification society is involved in certification activities covering large support vessels and other specialised naval platforms.
Additional naval shipbuilding milestones
Separately, the keel of the first vessel under the Indian Navy’s Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) programme was laid at Cochin Shipyard Limited in Kochi.
The planned vessels are intended for operations in the Indian Ocean region and will incorporate advanced weapons and sensor systems.
IRS also reported the commissioning of INS Nipun, the second Diving Support Vessel constructed under its certification.
The vessel is designed to support diving and submarine rescue operations at depths of up to 300 metres, using specialised diving equipment, dynamic positioning systems and onboard medical and life-support facilities.
Together, the developments highlight the range of naval construction and certification projects currently being undertaken at Indian shipyards.
