Vice Admiral V. Srinivas, the Flag Officer Commanding in Chief of the Southern Naval Command (SNC), addressed media personnel aboard the Navy ship INS Shardul at the Naval Base in Kochi, highlighting significant developments regarding the capabilities and future plans of the Indian Navy.
During the briefing, Vice Admiral Srinivas announced that the North Jetty on Willingdon Island is set to be commissioned by February 2025, which will substantially alleviate the current shortage of berthing space for naval vessels. This expansion is crucial as it will accommodate the increasing number of ships being inducted and those being replaced, thereby enhancing the operational readiness of the Navy.
The Vice Admiral also spoke about the upcoming Navy Day, observed annually on December 4, which commemorates the historical attack on Karachi Harbour by the Indian Navy’s missile boats in 1972.
A noteworthy part of the discussion was the Navy’s commitment to adopting environmentally friendly alternatives to fossil fuels for naval operations. Vice Admiral Srinivas mentioned a pioneering initiative by Cochin Shipyard Limited, which has successfully developed India’s first indigenously built hydrogen fuel cell ferry — a 24-metre-long catamaran capable of carrying 50 passengers. This project exemplifies the Navy’s efforts to explore and implement sustainable energy sources for larger vessels in the future.
On the topic of personnel recruitment, Vice Admiral Srinivas confirmed that the training for the fifth batch of Agniveers has commenced at INS Chilka. This program includes both male and female personnel, integrating them into every facet of the Navy’s operations.
In terms of operational readiness, the Flag Officer indicated that the assets of the Southern Naval Command have been extensively deployed in various initiatives, including anti-piracy and anti-drug operations, and have participated in multilateral maritime exercises. The indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, constructed at Cochin Shipyard, has successfully completed several trial phases and is now operationally deployed with the Western Naval Command.
Additionally, Vice Admiral Srinivas praised the SNC personnel for their active involvement in relief and rescue operations in the landslide-affected region of Wayanad. He emphasized the importance of engaging the coastal community in bolstering coastal security measures.
The briefing concluded with the presence of key officials, including Rear Admiral Upal Kundu, the Chief of Staff of the SNC, and Commander Atul Pillai, the Defence PRO for Kerala, indicating a unified front in the ongoing progression and operational strategies of the Indian Navy.
