Integrated construction to cut ship building period: Navy chief Lanba

Mumbai: The Indian ship building activity is slowly moving on to integrated construction to reduce building time further, Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba said in Mumbai on Saturday.

He was speaking to reporters after the launch of 'Mormugao' warship, which was built ahead of schedule, at the city-based Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL).

"A ship, from its concept to commencement, generally takes 10-12 years anywhere in the world and now same period is required in India. We are gradually reducing the building period for our warships and moving on to integrated construction to reduce building time further," he said.

While 'Mormugao' is 68 per cent indigenous, including its steel, made by the Steel Authority of India Ltd, some parts were developed as a joint venture between India's Defence Research and Development Organization and Israel Aerospace Industries. Over the years, the Indian content would increase, Admiral Lanba said.

The warships built under Project 28 in Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd has 92 per cent indigenous content, the Navy chief added.