India’s Maritime Capability Gets Boost as Rajnath Launches FSS-1 at HSL

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday launched Fleet Support Ship-1 (FSS-1), christened ‘Surya’, at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) here, describing it as an important step towards enhancing the Indian Navy’s operational reach and endurance.

Singh also laid the keel of the fifth fleet support ship, FSS-5, and inaugurated the upgraded Slipway-4 and a 300-tonne Goliath Crane at the shipyard.

Addressing a gathering, Singh said a Navy operating for prolonged periods in distant maritime areas needs not only warships but also logistics, maintenance and sustained support. Fleet Support Ships provide these capabilities through at-sea replenishment and operational support, he said.

The indigenously designed and built 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, according to an official release.

Singh said the FSS programme would strengthen the Navy’s reach, endurance and operational effectiveness in the Indian Ocean Region. He described the launch of FSS-1 as a symbol of achievement and the keel laying of FSS-5 as a symbol of resolve.

The upgraded Slipway-4 has been extended and strengthened to enable HSL to build and launch ships of up to 45,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT), significantly expanding its capacity for larger and more complex platforms.

The 300-tonne Goliath Crane, manufactured under the Make in India initiative, will facilitate faster and more precise handling of heavier ship blocks, the release said.

Singh urged HSL to move beyond self-reliance towards global competitiveness, focusing on quality, cost, technology, delivery and reliability.

He also called for Visakhapatnam to emerge as a major maritime industrial hub, supported by the Navy, shipyards, DRDO, academia, industry, MSMEs and startups.

"Our goal should be simple and clear -- design better, build faster, deliver on time; operate efficiently and do maintenance effectively," Singh said.