New Delhi, Oct 6

“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”: Rajnath SIngh

“We must make HSL a benchmark for Quality, Productivity and Timely Delivery”

“Visakhapatnam should be developed as a major Maritime Industrial Hub”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the first Fleet Support Ship (FSS-1), laid the keel of the fifth Fleet Support Ship (FSS-5) and inaugurated the upgraded Slipway-4 and 300-tonne Goliath Crane at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam on October 06, 2026. The milestone is a significant step in strengthening HSL’s capacity to build larger and more complex ships and advancing India’s indigenous maritime capability.

Addressing the gathering, the Raksha Mantri said the three milestones had significance beyond the individual achievements.“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, adding that HSL was strengthening not only its shipbuilding capacity but also the foundation of India’s maritime power.

Recalling the launch of  the first ship built in independent India ‘Jala Usha’ at Visakhapatnam in 1948, RM highlighted India’s longstanding maritime heritage, noting that the country’s relationship with the sea dates back to ancient times. He described HSL as a custodian of India’s national maritime capability and lauded its contribution to the country’s maritime and defence requirements for more than eight decades. RM highlighted HSL’s attainment of Miniratna Category-I status in 2025 after it came under the Ministry of Defence as an important milestone reflecting its transformation and sustained efforts.

Fleet Support Ships to strengthen Navy’s reach and endurance

Highlighting the Fleet Support Ship programme, the Raksha Mantri said the vessels would strengthen the Navy’s reach, endurance and operational effectiveness in the Indian Ocean Region. He noted that a Navy operating for extended periods in distant maritime areas requires not only warships but also logistics, maintenance, sustained support and operational endurance. Fleet Support Ships provide this essential capability through at-sea replenishment and sustained support to naval operations. RM underscored the launch of FSS-1 as an important step towards strengthening the Navy’s operational reach and endurance, while the keel laying of FSS-5 representing another strong foundation for India’s maritime future.

FSS-1, named ‘Surya’, was launched following the traditional honours performed by Smt. Laila Swaminathan, President, Navy Wives Wellness Association (NWWA). The vessel entered the waters of the Bay of Bengal amid cheers from the gathering. Designed and built indigenously by HSL, the Fleet Support Ships will feature enhanced cargo and fluid capacity, onboard first-line maintenance workshops, a helicopter deck for Multi-Role Helicopter operations and self-defence systems.

Enhanced infrastructure to support 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 300-tonne Goliath Crane spanning Slipways 3 and 4 has been designed and manufactured by M/s L&T Geostructure with Konecranes under Make in India. Equipped with PLC controls, Variable Frequency Drives, tandem lifting, remote diagnostics and condition monitoring, the crane will enable faster and more precise handling of heavier blocks for modern block construction. The new infrastructure will strengthen HSL’s ability to undertake larger and more complex shipbuilding programmes and support modern block construction.

the presence of the Eastern Naval Command, Naval Dockyard, HSL and Visakhapatnam Port provides the city with the foundation of a Integrated maritime ecosystem. He called for Visakhapatnam to be developed as a major Maritime Industrial Hub by bringing together naval expertise, shipbuilding capability, engineering talent, port infrastructure and skilled manpower. RM also stressed the need for an integrated national maritime ecosystem involving the Navy, HSL, DRDO, academia, industry, MSMEs and startups. “India’s maritime strength cannot be built by the Navy or shipyards alone,” he said, calling for greater integration among all stakeholders.