Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) has entered into a significant partnership with Norwegian company Kongsberg Maritime to enhance the operational capacity of the Indian Navy through advanced replenishment-at-sea (RAS) technology. This collaboration comes as part of the ongoing development of the Indian Navy’s Fleet Support Ships (FSS) programme, a crucial initiative aimed at extending the Navy’s operational range and improving its logistical support capabilities.
The Fleet Support Ships (FSS) Programme
The FSS are a new class of large replenishment vessels designed to provide vital logistical support to naval operations, particularly during extended missions at sea. With a displacement of over 40,000 tons, these ships will carry and deliver fuel, water, ammunition, and supplies to Navy warships, enabling them to conduct sustained operations far from port. The FSS will also serve a secondary but equally important role in humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations, providing essential support during natural calamities or emergencies. The Indian Navy’s strategic reach and mobility will be greatly enhanced, as the ships ensure continuous replenishment without the need to return to shore.
Kongsberg Maritime’s Role
Kongsberg Maritime’s contract with HSL will see the Norwegian company supply its advanced electric Replenishment-at-Sea (RAS) technology for the five FSS being constructed. This technology is designed to improve the efficiency, safety, and reliability of logistical operations at sea, which is crucial for the Navy’s readiness during long-term deployments.
According to Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, President of Kongsberg Maritime, “Our RAS technology supports critical operations for many of the world’s navies, and through the development of our electric system, we offer mission-critical capability enhancing operational readiness.” The electric RAS system will not only enhance the operational capabilities of the ships but also provide a sustainable and responsive solution for the Indian Navy.
Kongsberg Maritime’s electric RAS system will contribute to the modernization of the Indian Navy, providing faster, safer, and more efficient replenishment procedures. Haugan highlighted the importance of this contract for Kongsberg, noting, “To have secured the contract to supply our electric Replenishment-at-Sea systems to the Indian Navy’s Fleet Support Ships programme is significant for Kongsberg Maritime, and we are delighted to have been selected for this major shipbuilding programme.”
The Importance of FSS in Naval Operations
The primary function of the Fleet Support Ships is to replenish and resupply warships at sea, ensuring the Indian Navy can maintain a sustained presence in critical maritime regions without the need to return to port for essential supplies. This capability is particularly valuable in the context of the Navy’s “blue water” operations, which involve long-range, sustained naval presence far from home ports. The FSS will allow the Navy to operate in remote or hostile environments without logistical constraints, enhancing the Navy’s strategic reach.
The FSS will be equipped with the latest technology, including Kongsberg Maritime’s electric RAS system, to provide an efficient and safe resupply process. This system will be instrumental in ensuring that the Navy can operate with high endurance, as it reduces the time and risks associated with traditional replenishment procedures. The technology is also designed to improve safety, which is vital for naval operations where time-sensitive operations and dangerous conditions often prevail.
In addition to their military applications, the FSS will be equipped for Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. These ships can be deployed for evacuation of personnel during emergencies or to deliver relief materials quickly to disaster-stricken areas. This dual-purpose functionality enhances the Navy’s capacity to respond to national and regional crises, such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, where the Navy played a crucial role in disaster response.
Indigenous Development and Strategic Collaboration
The development of the FSS programme is a significant step toward bolstering India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities. With the majority of the equipment being sourced from domestic manufacturers, the project aligns with the Indian government’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative. Annette Holte, Country Manager – India at Kongsberg Maritime, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, saying, “This partnership underscores our commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, as we continue to develop a robust supply chain and local capabilities.”
The Indian government approved the acquisition of the five Fleet Support Ships in August 2023 at an estimated cost of Rs 19,000 crore. The ships are scheduled to be delivered starting in mid-2027, with the keel-laying ceremony for the first FSS having been held in November 2024 at Hindustan Shipyard, Visakhapatnam.
Bottomline
The electric Replenishment-at-Sea system developed by Kongsberg Maritime will enhance the efficiency and safety of supply operations at sea, ensuring that India’s Fleet Support Ships are well-equipped to support long-duration missions. By bolstering its logistical capabilities and expanding its strategic reach, the Indian Navy is positioning itself to respond effectively to both defence and humanitarian challenges in the years to come.