Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) has partnered with Kongsberg Maritime to supply electric replenishment-at-sea technology to the Indian Navy.
The system will be used for transferring fuel, drinking water, and solid loads weighing up to two tons, and enhance the operational efficiency and safety of the upcoming five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) built by HSL.
The ships are a new class of large replenishment vessels that will receive electric winches, moveable high points, masts, and ancillary equipment to facilitate reliable replenishment operations, especially during extended missions.
An astern refueling system will also be provided to be used when abeam replenishment, or transferring fuel or supplies while both vessels are positioned side by side, is not feasible due to rough seas and other operational constraints.
More than half of the components will be produced within India, aligning with the government’s bid to make the country self-reliant in military equipment.
“This project is not only a technological leap forward but also a catalyst for economic growth, as it will facilitate the transfer of cutting-edge technology to India and create substantial employment opportunities for local industries,” HSL Chairman and Managing Director Commodore Hemant Khatri said.
Fleet Support Ship
HSL conducted the keel-laying ceremony of the first FSS vessel in November, with deliveries set to start in mid-2027 following an August 2023 contract signed with the Indian Navy.
With a displacement of more than 40,000 tons, the replenishment ships were primarily designed to carry and deliver fuel, water, ammunition, and stores on extended missions without returning to port, boosting the navy’s blue water capabilities.
Additionally, the FSS can be used for humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations, such as emergency evacuations and deliveries during natural calamities.