The induction ceremony for the sixth missile-cum-ammunition barge, LSAM 12 (Yard 80), took place at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, with Cmde Abhirup Majumdar, Command Refit Officer of the Headquarters Western Naval Command, officiating the event. This induction marks a significant advancement in the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy.
The introduction of these barges is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the Navy’s logistical operations by enabling efficient transportation, embarkation, and disembarkation of ammunition and other critical articles. Notably, this capability extends to operations both at jetties and at outer harbours.
The contract for constructing a total of eight mission-critical Mobile Combat Auxiliary (MCA) Barges was finalized with M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt. Ltd., located in Visakhapatnam, earlier this year in February. The design and construction of these barges involved a collaborative effort with a domestic ship design firm, underlining India’s commitment to developing indigenous capabilities in defense production.
To ensure the seaworthiness of the barges, model testing was rigorously conducted at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory in Visakhapatnam. The construction of the barges adhered to the relevant Naval Rules and Regulations as stipulated by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), reflecting a strong commitment to quality and safety standards.
The defence ministry emphasized that these barges embody the spirit of the “Make in India” initiative, as well as the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” campaign aimed at fostering self-reliance in the nation’s defense sector. The successful induction of LSAM 12 is seen as a testament to India’s progress in achieving significant milestones in indigenous defense production and enhancing the operational readiness of the Indian Navy.
