Keel laying of the first ship (BY 523, Mahe) of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Craft (ASW SWC) project under construction by Cochin Shipyard Ltd, Kochi, was undertaken on 30 Aug 22 by VAdm Kiran Deshmukh, CWP&A in presence of Shri Madhu S Nair, CMD, CSL, Commodore V Ganapathy, WPS (Koc), CSL, Directors and other senior officials of CSL and Indian Navy. CWP&A further added that these platforms will undertake sub-surface surveillance in coastal areas with the purpose of detecting and neutralizing underwater threats.
Speaking on the occasion, VAdm Kiran Deshmukh, CWP&A, appreciated CSL efforts in achieving the milestone despite Covid constraints and resultant lockdowns. He called it a noteworthy achievement by the shipyard and commended professionalism displayed by all. Further, he highlighted that construction of these vessels is a major boost for the ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’ and India’s ‘Make in India’ commitment. The Chief Guest indicated that keel laying is a major milestone activity in the shipbuilding process and paves way for amalgamation of various blocks towards fully constructed ship.
During the address, CMD-CSL, highlighted that despite several challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic during execution of this complex shipbuilding project, the shipyard has ensured continuous production of ships through innovative solutions. He thanked the Indian Navy for their unstinted support and reiterated the shipyard’s commitment to deliver quality ships on time.
The contract for construction of 16 ASW SWC vessels for the Indian Navy was awarded to CSL and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in 2019. GRSE laid keel for its first of the eight vessels in August last year, followed by the keel-laying of second and third vessels in June this year. Under this deal, each company is developing eight shallow craft. Once constructed, the ASW shallow water vessels will further bolster the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities and help safeguard the nation’s maritime interests.