Chennai | The Keel Laying ceremony of the third Fleet Support Ships (FSS) for Indian Navy was held at the L&T Shipyard at Kattupalli here on Wednesday.

The ceremony was held in the presence of Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, Controller Warship Production & Acquisition, and senior officials from the Indian Navy, Hindustan Shipyard Ltd HSL and L&T, a PIB (Defence) release on Friday said.

It said the Indian Navy had signed a contract with HSL for the acquisition of Five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) in August 2023, with the delivery schedule commencing mid-2027.

HSL has sub-contracted the construction of two ships to M/s L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli, to effectively utilise the country's shipbuilding capacity and meet stringent timelines for delivery.

"On induction, the FSS will bolster the 'Blue Water' capabilities of the Indian Navy through replenishment of Fleet ships at sea. These ships, with a displacement of more than 40,000 tons will carry fuel, water, ammunition and stores that enable prolonged and sustained operations of the fleet at sea, thus enhancing its reach and mobility." "In their secondary role, the ships will be equipped for Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations for evacuation of personnel and expeditious delivery of relief material during natural calamities," it said.

The indigenously designed and built warship will have key equipment sourced through Indian Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).