HSL marks 85 years with Navy's 4th Fleet Support Ship, infrastructure boost, and turnaround success

Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) commemorated its 85th Sapphire Foundation Day with a week-long series of events culminating on June 21, marked by significant milestones, including a ceremonial steel-cutting by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi on June 19 for the Indian Navy's fourth Fleet Support Ship (FSS).

Speaking at the steel-cutting ceremony, Admiral Tripathi emphasised the strategic importance of the Fleet Support Ship, highlighting that it would enhance the Navy's operational endurance and combat readiness at sea.

The project aligns closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's MAHA SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, fostering greater maritime security through indigenous capabilities.

The Foundation Day celebrations at HSL were marked by vibrant events and infrastructural upgrades, including a tribute to the shipyard's founder, Seth Walchand Hirachand; yoga sessions promoting employee wellness; and an MSME conclave encouraging Ease and Speed of Doing Business.

HSL also unveiled upgraded facilities such as a new valve-testing bay, digital kiosk, refurbished dining spaces, power room, modernised residential quarters, training halls, and a newly established Motivation Hall. Additionally, the shipyard released 12 key publications aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing knowledge-based practices.

Reflecting on the shipyard's remarkable transformation, Commodore Hemant Khatri, Chairman and Managing Director, highlighted HSL's journey from severe financial distress—with net worth plunging to negative Rs 1,023 crore in FY 2014–15—to achieving profitability and stability.

"Our turnaround isn't merely financial or about becoming a Mini Ratna PSU, but about our evolution from constructing simple tugs to complex strategic platforms such as INS Dhruv and INS Nistar. This progress results from professional competence and a cultural shift from 'me, I, and myself' to 'we, us, and HSL'," Khatri said.

The new Fleet Support Ship will leverage HSL's upgraded slipway infrastructure, now equipped with a powerful 300-tonne Goliath crane, significantly enhancing the shipyard's readiness for future complex projects, including Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) and large commercial ships.

The developments underscore HSL's critical role in India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, as the shipyard increasingly positions itself to become a key global player in shipbuilding under the "Make for the World" strategy.

The presence of Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi at the steel-cutting event was notable, highlighting the Indian Navy’s exceptional trust in Hindustan Shipyard’s leadership, advanced technical capabilities, and remarkable growth journey.