Hindustan Shipyard Ltd., the largest shipbuilding enterprise under Indian Ministry of Defence, and world’s premier shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) are likely to undertake joint construction of self-propelled fleet support ships (FSS) for the Indian Navy, says a report in the Hindu.
A high-level delegation from Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd has already inspected facilities at the Hindustan Shipyard Limited to explore the possibilities of cooperation.
The team comprised of six members under the leadership of Hyundai Senior Executive Vice-President-Engine and Machinery and COO Jeong-Hwan Kim. It visited the dry dock, submarine repair yard and other facilities.
The broader plan agreed upon during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to South Korea entails HHI giving technological assistance and related help in various spheres, making submarines and destroyers included.
HSL is confident of getting order for construction of five FSS, each costing Rs.2,000 crore. FSS will have a speed of 16 knots, can travel 12,000 nautical miles and have a service of 30 years with capability to carry ballistic weapons.
To become strong blue water Navy, the Ministry of Defence wants to acquire FSS for evacuation of provisions, fuel, weapons and other things to various units while at sea.
At the same time, HSL sources said the shipyard is also looking at tying up with South Korea lithium polymer battery manufacturer - Kokam - to enhance its competencies in submarine building.
HSL, set up in 1941 during World War by visionary Walchand Hirachand under the name of Scindia Steam Navigation with a 80,000 DWT covered dry dock and three slipways with total 81,000 DWT, is facing cash crunch. It was shifted from Ministry of Shipping to Defence in 2010 without giving any high-value orders.