Navy: Two Diving Support Vessels Launched at HSL
Asia News Agency
The Navy on Sep. 22 launched two indigenously built Diving Support Vessels (christened Nistar and Nipun) being built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) here. Kala Hari Kumar, spouse of Indian Navy chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar, launched the vessels in his presence. The Chief of the Naval Staff presided over the ceremony as chief guest.
India's Strategic Force Commanding-in-Chief Vice Admiral R. B. Pandit, Eastern Naval Command Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Vice Admiral B. Dasgupta, and Indian Navy's Controller Warship Production & Acquisition Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh attended the launching ceremony.
Indigenously designed and built at HSL, these ships are a true testimonial to 'Aatmanirbharta'. They are self-sustaining platforms which can operate at sea for prolonged durations, an Indian Navy statement said.
DSVs equipped with an array of complex Diving Support systems and Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV) will be deployed for deep sea diving and submarine rescue operations. Furthermore, the ships will be capable of conducting Search and Rescue operations and carrying out Helicopter Operations at sea.
This project is being executed with support from Indian industry primarily MSME firms who have supplied Yard material, equipment and services. Shipyard is extensively using the GeM portal for procuring material and services for the project. More than 120 MSME vendors across India have actively participated in the Project, the statement said.
"Nistar" and "Nipun" were launched by achieving approx 80% indigenous content, a major step towards 'Self Reliance'. DSV project has generated local employment opportunities and promoted indigenisation which will boost India's economy.
Kala Hari Kumar, President of Navy Wellness and Welfare Association (NWWA), performed the traditional honour and named these ships.
(Courtesy: Defence.Capital)