Indian Navy Launches First Multi-Purpose Vessel At L&T Shipyard

On October 14, 2024, the Indian Navy’s first multi-purpose vessel (MPV), Samarthak, was successfully launched at the L&T Shipyard in Kattupalli, Chennai.

The vessel is part of a two-ship project contracted to L&T by the Ministry of Defence to improve the Navy’s operational adaptability.

Mrs. Shashi Tripathi, President of the Navy Wives Welfare Association (NWWA), performed the ceremonial launch of the ship after traditional maritime practices. Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff, presided over the ceremony.

Here’s Samarthak- 1st Multi-purpose vessel that’ll serve #IndianNavy…Proudly made in #Chennai at @larsentoubro Kattupalli

It can perform- Towing, launch & recovery of targets, operate uncrewed vehicles, test new weapons & sensors, undertake patrols, disaster relief pic.twitter.com/a9DBu4efxe

— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 14, 2024

Video Credits: Sidharth.M.P/X

The name Samarthak, meaning “Supporter,” represents the vessel’s diverse capabilities.

The multipurpose vessel is designed to perform various tasks, including towing other ships, launching and recovering targets, operating autonomous vehicles, and serving as a testing platform for indigenous weapons and sensor systems in development.

The contract to build these two ships was signed on March 25, 2022. The vessels are 106 meters long and 16.8 meters wide, with speeds of up to 15 knots.

The launch represents a major step in the Indian Navy’s efforts to strengthen indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.

It aligns with the Indian government’s initiatives like ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India,’ focusing on the Navy’s efforts to strengthen domestic shipbuilding through collaborations with private shipyards like L&T.

Reference: PIB

Indian Navy Launches First Multi-Purpose Vessel At L&T Shipyard appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News