L&T Launches Floating Dock (FDN-2) for the Indian Navy
FDN-2 marks a significant achievement for L&T’s shipbuilding arm in design
The country’s first indigenously built Floating Dock, FDN-2 for the Indian navy was launched on June 20 by Anjali Deshpande, wife of Vice Admiral DM Deshpande, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition. In keeping with the Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, the complete design and built of FDN-2 has been done in house by Larsen & Toubro Shipyard at Kattupalli, Chennai
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Admiral DM Deshpande commended L&T for their efforts in the design and construction of FDN-2. He brought out that launching of the indigenously built Floating Dock, bears testimony to the capabilities available in India for realising the ‘Make in India’ vision. He extended warm felicitations to the entire team of the L&T for the achievement.
Commenting on the launch, S. N. Subrahmanyan, Managing Director (Designate) and president, L&T said, “While winning our first mandate from the Indian navy was satisfying, I am particularly delighted that we have also been able to execute and deliver the FDN-2 well within schedule.”
“It is an affirmation of the in-house capabilities and track record of L&T that we are launching the FDN-2 for the IN ahead of schedule today, as the sequel to having already delivered 32 interceptor boats to the Indian Coast Guard. This has been made possible by dedication and commitment of the team at L&T, our relationship of trust with IN across the value chain for naval platforms and the forward-looking policies pursued by the government to facilitate procurement of indigenous equipment for our armed forces.” Said Jayant Patil, Senior VP & Head Defence & Aerospace, Member of the Board Heavy Engineering, L&T.
Built at a cost of INR 468 crores the FDN-2 is 185 meter long and 40 meter wide and is designed for docking IN ships and submarines of up to 8000 tons displacement. Simultaneous docking of multiple ships and off-centre docking options are also feasible.
The Floating Dock was formally lowered into the waters of Bay of Bengal by Anjali Deshpande.