Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the first Fleet Support Ship (FSS-1) at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam on October 6,2026, laid the keel for the fifth ship in the series (FSS-1), and inaugurated the upgraded Slipway-4 and a 300-tonne Goliath crane.
These developments are expected to enhance HSL’s capacity to build larger and more complex vessels and strengthen India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities. Singh stated that the launch of FSS-1 is an achievement, the keel-laying of FSS-5 reflects resolve, while the upgraded slipway demonstrates the shipyard’s growing capabilities.
HSL has indigenously designed and built the first Fleet Support Ship, named ‘Surya’. These ships will provide fuel, essential supplies, and logistical support during extended naval operations at sea. They will feature enhanced cargo capacity, first-line maintenance facilities, a helicopter deck, and self-defense systems.
HSL Expands Capacity to Build Larger Ships
The upgraded Slipway-4 has been extended and strengthened to enable HSL to build and launch vessels of up to 45,000 deadweight tonnes (DWT). The new 300-tonne Goliath Crane, spanning Slipways 3 and 4, has been developed under the Make in India initiative. It is equipped with advanced control, lifting, and monitoring systems to facilitate the handling of heavy ship blocks.
Singh asked HSL to move beyond mere self-reliance and strive to become globally competitive, placing greater emphasis on quality, cost-efficiency, technology, timely delivery, and reliability. He stressed the need to develop Visakhapatnam as a major maritime industrial hub by leveraging the Eastern Naval Command, Naval Dockyard, HSL and Visakhapatnam Port, with greater participation from Andhra Pradesh’s MSMEs, universities, technology firms and startups.
The Defence Minister emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration among the Navy, shipyards, DRDO, academia, industry, MSMEs, and startups to boost India’s maritime capabilities. He also highlighted the necessity of developing indigenous design capabilities, robust supply chains, skilled manpower and lifecycle maintenance capabilities.
HSL, under the Ministry of Defence, was granted Miniratna Category-I status in 2025. Singh also recalled the launch of Jala Usha in Visakhapatnam in 1948, noting HSL’s long-standing contribution to India’s maritime and defence capabilities.
(PIB)
