Chennai, Oct 14 (UNI) The first ship of the two Multi Purpose Vessel project, being built by
L and T at Kattupallai Shipyard near here for the Indian Navy, was launched on Monday.
In keeping with the maritime traditions, the ship was launched by Ms Shashi Tripathi President NWWA.
The ceremony was presided over by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff.
The ship has been named ‘ "Samarthak" ’ which means ‘ "Supporter" and is synonymous to the
multi-dimensional role envisaged from the platform, a defence statement said tonight.
The contract for building two Multi Purpose Vessel was signed between the Ministry of Defence
and L and T Shipyard on March 25, 2022.
These Multi Purpose Vessels will be capable of towing ships, launch and recover various targets,
operate unscrewed autonomous vehicles and act as a trial platform for various indigenous weapons
and sensors under development.
The Multi Purpose Vessels can achieve a maximum speed of 15 knots and are 106 m long and
16.8 wide.
The Indian Navy remains steadfast in its efforts towards indigenous shipbuilding.
The launch of this vessel by private Indian shipyard showcases Indian Navy’s strides in indigenous
shipbuilding, in consonance with Union Government's vision for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in
India initiative.
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