Rajnath Singh Launches First Indigenous FSS Surya In Vizag

Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday launched the first Fleet Support Ship named Surya, laid the keel of the fifth Fleet Support Ship and inaugurated the upgraded Slipway-4 and 300-tonne Goliath Crane at the Hindustan Shipyard Ltd here.

“The launch of FSS-1 is a symbol of achievement, the keel laying of FSS-5 is a symbol of resolve and the new Slipway is a symbol of our growing capability,” Singh said, adding that HSL was strengthening not only its shipbuilding capacity but also the foundation of India’s maritime power.

Recalling the launch of the first ship built in independent India, Jala Usha, at HSL in 1948, the minister highlighted the country’s maritime heritage and said its relationship with the sea dated back to ancient times. He described HSL as a custodian of India’s national maritime capability and lauded its contributions to the country’s maritime and defence requirements for more than eight decades.

Singh highlighted HSL’s attainment of Miniratna Category-I status in 2025 after it came under the defence ministry, describing this as an important milestone reflecting its transformation and sustained efforts.

Highlighting the fleet support ship programme, Singh said the 43,500-tonne vessels were designed to replenish warships at sea, allowing naval vessels to remain deployed for longer periods and extending their operational reach across the Indian Ocean Region.

FSS-1, named Surya, was launched following traditional honours performed by Laila Swaminathan, president, Navy Wives Wellness Association (NWWA) and wife of chief of naval staff Admiral Krishna Swaminathan. The vessel entered the waters of the Bay of Bengal amid cheers from the gathering.

Highlighting the role of Andhra Pradesh in India’s maritime future, Singh said the presence of the Eastern Naval Command, Naval Dockyard, HSL and Visakhapatnam Port provided the city with the foundation of an integrated maritime ecosystem. He called for the development of Visakhapatnam as a major maritime industrial hub by bringing together naval expertise, shipbuilding capability, engineering talent, port infrastructure and skilled manpower.

The minister also stressed the need for an integrated national maritime ecosystem involving the Navy, HSL, DRDO, academia, industry, MSMEs and startups. “India’s maritime strength cannot be built by the Navy or shipyards alone,” he said, calling for greater integration among all stakeholders.

The launch of the first Fleet Support Ship at HSL marked a milestone in India’s indigenous shipbuilding sector and would give a further boost to Visakhapatnam’s emergence as a major maritime and industrial hub, said AP roads and buildings minister B.C. Janardhan Reddy.

Speaking at the launch, he said the inauguration of the new slipway and keel-laying ceremony for the fifth Fleet Support Ship reflected the shipyard’s growing capabilities. “Andhra Pradesh’s long coastline, ports, industrial corridors and infrastructure offered scope for industrial growth, trade and investment,” he said.

Janardhan Reddy said infrastructure development was not limited to building roads and ports, but aimed at attracting industries, creating employment for youth and improving people’s quality of life.

He said HSL, with its eight-decade-old legacy, had made a significant contribution to India’s shipbuilding sector. A strong shipbuilding industry would generate demand for allied sectors such as engineering, steel and logistics, while creating opportunities for MSMEs, local entrepreneurs and technically skilled youth.

Strengthening of the indigenous shipbuilding and domestic supply chains would reinforce the Centre’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat vision, he said, adding that coordinated efforts by the Centre, state, Indian Navy and industry would accelerate economic growth in Visakhapatnam and Andhra Pradesh.

Vizag MP Mathukumilli Sribharat and MLAs P. Vishnu Kumar Raju and P.V.G.R. Naidu were present.