Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, is a premier shipbuilding facility in India, renowned for its extensive infrastructure and diverse capabilities.
Covered Building Dock: HSL features a covered building dock capable of constructing vessels up to 80,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT). This dock is among the largest covered docks in the region, facilitating the construction of large vessels under protected conditions.
Slipways: The shipyard is equipped with three slipways, which are inclined platforms used for building or repairing ships.
Fitting-Out Jetty: A 550-meter (1,800-foot) fitting-out jetty is available for finalizing vessels after their initial construction phases.
Dry Dock and Wet Basin: HSL possesses both dry dock and wet basin facilities, enabling comprehensive ship and submarine repair and retrofitting services
Construction Capabilities: The shipyard has a distinguished history of constructing a wide array of vessels, including:
Bulk carriers
Offshore patrol vessels
Survey ships
Drill ships
Offshore platforms
Repair and support vessels
By 2009, HSL had built over 192 vessels and repaired nearly 2,000 ships, underscoring its significant contribution to India’s maritime industry.
Fleet Support Ship Project: In August 2023, HSL secured a ₹19,000 crore contract to design and construct five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) for the Indian Navy. These 44,000-tonne replenishment vessels are intended to enhance the Navy’s operational endurance in the Indo-Pacific region. The first ship is scheduled for delivery in 2027, with subsequent vessels to follow at intervals of 10 to 12 months.
Technological Advancements: HSL is equipped with advanced machinery and facilities, including:
Plasma cutting machines
Steel processing and welding equipment
Material handling systems
Cranes
Logistics and storage facilities
Testing and measuring instruments
These resources enable the shipyard to undertake complex shipbuilding and repair tasks efficiently.
Strategic Importance: HSL plays a crucial role in India’s defense sector, contributing to the construction and maintenance of naval vessels, including submarines. Its strategic location on the east coast of India positions it effectively to support maritime operations in the region.
Overall, Hindustan Shipyard Limited stands as a cornerstone of India’s shipbuilding industry, combining extensive infrastructure with a legacy of maritime excellence.
