HSL’s first diving support vessel completes sea trials
The DSV is being built for the Indian Navy at an estimated cost of Rs 1200 cr. Designed for deep-sea diving and submarine rescue, the DSVs boast 80% indigenous content
image for illustrative purpose
Visakhapatnam: After achieving highest-ever revenue of Rs 1597 crore (provisional) during FY24 - more than three-fold increase over FY21’s Rs 478 crore, Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) has successfully completed the sea trial of a Diving Support Vessel (DSV).
The good news comes close on the heels of launching construction of five Fleet Support Ships for the Navy at an estimated cost of Rs 19,000 crore. Significantly, the construction of DSV is the first warship built by HSL since 1993. The majestic ship was sent for sea trial on Monday. "The ship has successfully completed maiden sea trials with no major defect, marking a pivotal achievement for HSL. This milestone is particularly noteworthy as it represents the shipyard's first warship construction for the Navy in three decades, the last being INS Sujatha built in 1993 with Korean assistance," the company declared on Tuesday.
HSL showcased an irreversible turnaround from a loss-making company to a vibrant defence public sector undertaking (DPSU) in FY24 contributing significantly to Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative.
The premier shipbuilding yard commenced India's journey in shipbuilding yard during the pre-Independence era. HSL was set up in Visakhapatnam in 1941 by prominent industrialist and visionary Seth Walchand Hirachand under the brand name of Scindia Steam Navigation Co Ltd.
The cost of the each DSV is estimated at nearly Rs 1200 crore, industry sources said. The launching of the project, sources said, got delayed by two years due to Covid-19 pandemic.
The project was awarded to HSL on a nomination basis to give a boost to its financial health.
Once officially delivered to the Navy, the DSV will be yet another testament to Atma Nirbar Bharat Mission in shipbuilding. HSL, a vibrant defence PSU is poised to contribute its might to Atma Nirbar Bharat by rolling out the DSV towards meeting the Navy's requirement.
The project to build two DSVs Nistar and Nipun awarded to HSL were launched in September, 2023. The vessels are first of the kind, indigenously designed and built at HSL. The vessels are 118.4 metres long, 22.8 metres at the broadest point and will have a displacement of 9,350 tonnes.
The DSVs will be deployed for deep sea diving operations. With Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) embarked, the DSVs are designed to undertake submarine rescue operations, in case requirement exists. Moreover, the DSVs are capable of sustained patrolling, conducting search and rescue operations and carrying out helicopter operations at high seas at the time of distress and calamities.
The DSVs are credited with approximately 80 per cent indigenous content. The twin DSV project has generated considerable local employment opportunities and has also promoted indigenisation which in turn is giving a shot in the arm to giving a fillip to the nation's economy.
HSL management said the DSV project is essential for bolstering the Indian Navy's submarine support capabilities and underscores the premier shipbuilding yard's advanced warship building expertise with 80 per cent indigenous content.
