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 6 October 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 defence minister said, “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.”

Highlighting the Fleet Support Ship programme, he said the vessels would strengthen the navy’s reach, endurance and operational effectiveness in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). 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. The defence minister underscored the launch of FSS1 as an important step towards strengthening the navy’s operational reach and endurance, while the keel laying of FSS5 representing another strong foundation for India’s maritime future.

FSS1, named ‘Surya’, was launched following the traditional honours performed by 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.

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 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.