HSL-class fleet support ship
{{short description|Series of five fleet tanker vessels for the Indian Navy}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2021}}
| {{Infobox ship begin
| sclass = 2 }} {{Infobox ship image | Ship image = File:HSL-class fleet support ship.jpg | Ship caption = Render of HSL-class fleet support ship }} {{Infobox ship class overview | Builders = *Hindustan Shipyard Limited | Operators = {{navy|India}} | Class before = {{sclass|Deepak|fleet tanker|4}} | Class after = | Subclasses = | Built range = | In commission range = | Total ships building = 3 | Total ships planned = 5 | Total ships completed = | Total ships cancelled = | Total ships active = | Total ships laid up = | Total ships lost = | Total ships retired = | Total ships scrapped = | Cost = *{{INRConvert|19000|c|lk=on|year=2025}} overall cost
| Total ships preserved = }} {{Infobox ship characteristics | Hide header = | Header caption = | Ship type = Fleet replenishment oiler | Ship displacement = {{convert|45000|t|LT|lk=on|0|abbr=on}} | Ship length = {{convert|228.8|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | Ship beam = {{convert|31.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | Ship draft = {{convert|9.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | Ship propulsion = * 2 × MAN 20V32/44CR {{Convert|12|MW | abbr=on}} marine engines
| Ship speed = {{convert|20|kn|lk=in}} | Ship range = *{{convert|12000|nmi|abbr=on|lk=in}} at {{convert|15 |
| 16|kn}}
| Ship complement = | Ship armament = Anti-surface, anti-submarine CIWS | Ship aircraft = 1 × HAL Dhruv | Ship aircraft facilities = Helipad | Ship notes = }} |
The HSL-class fleet support vessels are a series of five fleet tanker planned to be built by Hindustan Shipyard (HSL), Visakhapatnam and Larsen & Toubro at Kattupalli Shipyard for the Indian Navy.{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/hindustan-shipyard-to-build-5-naval-support-vessels-with-turkish-help-101614007642406.html|title=Hindustan Shipyard to build 5 naval support vessels with Turkish help|publisher=Hindustan Times|date=2021-02-22|access-date=2021-05-17|last=Singh|first=Rahul}} The deal was signed on 25 August 2023 with an expected project completion timeline of 8 years. These ships will be an indigenous design by the Hindustan Shipyard's in-house design team.{{cite web|url=https://theprint.in/defence/defence-ministry-hindustan-shipyard-ltd-ink-rs-19000-crore-deal-for-5-fleet-support-ships/1730832/|title=Defence ministry, Hindustan Shipyard Ltd ink Rs 19,000 crore deal for 5 fleet support ships|work=The Print|first=Smruti|last=Deshpande|date=2023-08-25}} The primary role of the vessels would be to replenish ships of the Indian Navy with fuel, food and various other supplies. With a length of 230 m and displacement of {{convert|45000|tonne|LT|lk=on}}, these will be the heaviest and the second largest vessels to be in operation in the Indian Navy fleets before 2030.{{cite web|url=https://www.hslvizag.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/file/AnnualReports/68AR_2019-20_E.pdf|title=HSL Annual Report 2019-20|publisher=Hindustan Shipyard Limited|date=2021-05-17}}
History
The fleet support ship project was given a go ahead to augment the existing fleet in 2014. Initially, HSL planned to have a design consultancy with Hyundai Heavy Industries. However, the deal fell off due to latter's insistence of manufacturing the first ship in Korea and disagreement in procurement of major components.{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/hsl-ties-up-with-turkish-firm-to-build-fleet-support-ships/article31893924.ece|work=The Hindu|title= HSL ties up with Turkish firm to build Fleet Support Ships|first=Santosh|last=Patnaik|date=2020-06-23|access-date=2021-05-17}}{{cite news |title=Defence projects worth Rs. 21,000 crore cleared |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/defence-projects-worth-rs-21000-crore-cleared/article6229070.ece |work=The Hindu |agency=Press Trust of India |date=19 July 2014 |language=en-IN}}{{cite news |title=HSL to build 5 Navy fleet support ships from 2017 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/HSL-to-build-5-Navy-fleet-support-ships-from-2017/articleshow/51752191.cms |work=The Times of India |date=9 April 2016 |language=en}}
TAIS, Turkey emerged as lowest bidder for the project after the negotiations fell between HSL and Hyundai Heavy Industries. TAIS defeated other shipbuilding behemoths from Germany, Russia, Spain. However, the deal got stuck due to Turkey's stance on Jammu and Kashmir. Later, Hindustan Shipyard and Indian Navy signed the contract with TAIS, Turkey. The design consultancy will be provided by Anadolu Shipyard with transfer of technology required for the manufacturing of the ship.{{cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2021/02/24/explainer-turkey-turning-supplier-for-navies-of-india-pakistan.html|title=Explainer: Turkey turning 'supplier' for navies of India, Pakistan?|publisher=The Week|date=2021-02-24|access-date=2021-05-17}}{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-to-go-ahead-with-2-3-billion-turkish-shipyard-deal/articleshow/74766428.cms|title=India to go ahead with $2.3 billion Turkish shipyard deal|publisher=Economic Times|date=2020-03-23|access-date=2021-05-17|first=Mannu|last=Pubby}}{{cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/05/indian-mod-signed-a-contract-with-turkeys-tais-shipyards-for-5-fleet-support-vessels/|title=Indian MoD signed a contract with Turkey's TAIS shipyards for 5 Fleet Support Vessels|publisher=Naval News|date=2020-05-06|first=Martin|last=Manaranche}}
However, after signing the deal on 25 August 2023, it was revealed that the Turkish shipyard was dropped from the deal and now the design and development will be the sole responsibility of Hindustan Shipyard.{{Cite web |last=ANI |date=2024-04-11 |title=No role for Turkish firms in Indian Navy's mega Fleet Support Ship project |url=https://theprint.in/india/no-role-for-turkish-firms-in-indian-navys-mega-fleet-support-ship-project/2036921/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}} However HSL is taking the assistance of a Kochi-based firm for design consultancy.{{Cite web |date=11 April 2024 |title=No role for Turkish firms in Indian Navy's mega Fleet Support Ship project |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/no-role-for-turkish-firms-in-indian-navys-mega-fleet-support-ship-project20240411174220/ |website=ANI}}
On 3 December 2024, Hindustan Shipyard signed a deal with Kongsberg Maritime under which the latter will supply their electric Replenishment-At-Sea (RAS) equipment for the Fleet Support Ships under construction. This technology is reportedly "faster, safer, and more reliable" for supply operations at sea. The system can transfer over 2 tonnes of solid loads as well as liquids like fuel and drinking water.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-03 |title=Kongsberg Maritime RAS technology on Indian Navy FSS vessels |url=https://www.kongsberg.com/maritime/news-and-events/news-archive/2024/hindustan-shipyard-selects-kongsberg-maritime-ras-technology-for-five-indian-navy-support-ships/ |access-date=2024-12-04 |website=www.kongsberg.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Naval News |date=2024-12-03 |title=Kongsberg to supply RAS technology for Indian Navy's new Fleet Support Ships |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/12/kongsberg-to-supply-ras-technology-for-indian-navys-new-fleet-support-ships/ |access-date=2024-12-04 |website=Naval News |language=en-US}}
On 15 April 2025, Hindustan Shipyard signed another contract with MAN Energy Solutions for the supply of five main propulsion system for the ships. The shaft generators, a part of the propulsion system, would be manufactured in India. As per the contract MAN would also supervise the installation and commissioning of all equipment on the ships through its Indian subsidiary.{{Cite web |last=Mukherjee |first=Upasana |date=2025-04-15 |title=Indian Navy FSS fleet to get MAN main propulsion package |url=https://www.naval-technology.com/news/indian-navy-fss-fleet/ |access-date=2025-04-16 |website=Naval Technology |language=en-US}}
Construction
The Government of India cleared the project for a cost of {{INRConvert|20000|c|lk=on|year=2023}} on 16 August 2023.{{cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/govt-clears-rs-20-000-cr-navy-projects-to-be-built-by-hindustan-shipyard-123081600774_1.html|title=Govt clears Rs 20,000 cr Navy projects to be built by Hindustan Shipyard|work=Business Standard|date=2023-08-16}} The final contract for the five fleet support ship with Indian Navy and Hindustan Shipyard was signed on 25 August 2023 for a total value of {{INRConvert|19000|c|lk=on|year=2023}}. The first ship will be delivered in 4 years from the date of signing of the contract and subsequent ships will be delivered at 10 – 12 months interval. The total project completion timeline is 8 years.{{cite press release|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1952073|title=Big boost to 'Aatmanirbharta' in defence: MoD inks Rs 19,000 crore contract with HSL for five Fleet Support Ships for Indian Navy|work=PIB|date=2023-08-25}}
HSL signed another contract with Larsen & Toubro as a part of which, L&T will manufacture 2 of the Fleet Support Ships at Kattupalli Shipyard under the subsidiary Precision Engineering Systems.{{Cite web |date=2024-07-09 |title=Larsen & Toubro wins order from Hindustan Shipyard |url=https://www.business-standard.com/markets/capital-market-news/larsen-toubro-wins-order-from-hindustan-shipyard-124070900501_1.html#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=17205473833752&csi=0&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.business-standard.com%2Fmarkets%2Fcapital-market-news%2Flarsen-toubro-wins-order-from-hindustan-shipyard-124070900501_1.html |access-date=2024-07-09 |website=Business Standard}}
= Timeline =
- 10 April 2024: Steel cutting ceremony for the first vessel at Hindustan Shipyard. HSL was also installing a new 300T Goliath crane and slipway upgrades for the construction of these vessels.{{Cite web |title=Defence Secretary presides over first steel cutting of Fleet Support Ships for Indian Navy at Hindustan Shipyard Ltd in Visakhapatnam |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2017619 |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=pib.gov.in}}{{Cite web |title=STEEL CUTTING OF FIRST FLEET SUPPORT SHIP FOR INDIAN NAVY AT HINDUSTAN SHIPYARD LIMITED, VISAKHAPATNAM |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2017617 |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=pib.gov.in}}
- 14 November 2024: Keel laid for the first ship Yard-11200 at Hindustan Shipyard.{{cite press release|url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2073452|title=KEEL LAYING OF FIRST FLEET SUPPORT SHIP FOR INDIAN NAVY AT HINDUSTAN SHIPYARD LIMITED, VISAKHAPATNAM|work=PIB|date=2024-11-14}}
- 11 December 2024: Steel cutting ceremony for the second ship took place at Kattupalli Shipyard.{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Naval News |date=2024-12-13 |title=India cuts steel for second Fleet Support Ship |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/12/india-cuts-steel-for-second-fleet-support-ship/ |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=Naval News |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |date=2024-12-11 |title=STEEL CUTTING OF SECOND FLEET SUPPORT SHIP FOR INDIAN NAVY AT KATTUPALLI |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2083604 |access-date=2024-12-13 |work=Press Information Bureau}}
- 21 December 2024: Steel cutting ceremony for the third ship took place at Kattupalli Shipyard.{{Cite news |date=2025-02-20 |title=STEEL CUTTING OF THIRD FLEET SUPPORT SHIP FOR INDIAN NAVY |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2105099 |access-date=2024-12-21 |work=Press Information Bureau}}
- 13 March 2025: Keel laid for the second ship FSS-2 at Kattupalli Shipyard.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-13 |title=KEEL LAYING OF SECOND FLEET SUPPORT SHIP FOR INDIAN NAVY |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2111089 |access-date=2025-03-13 |work=Press Information Bureau}}
- 19 June 2025: Steel cutting ceremony for the fourth ship at Hindustan Shipyard.{{cite news |date=2025-06-20 |title=Steel Cutting Of Fourth Fleet Support Ship For Indian Navy |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2138104 |access-date=2025-06-20 |website=Press Information Bureau}}
- Mid-2027: Scheduled to commence deliveries.
Design
The ships will have a displacement of {{convert|45000|t|LT|lk=on|0}} and a length of {{Convert|230|m|ftin}}. They will have a cruising speed of {{Convert|15|knot|lk=in}} with a maximum speed of {{Convert|20|knot}} and an operating range of {{Convert|12000|nmi|lk=in}} at a speed of {{Convert|14|-|15|knot}}. The ships will be equipped with state of the art refueling facility and a hangar which can accommodate one HAL Dhruv.
These ship will be able to achieve pumping rates up to 2400 TPH. The vessel will also be able to carry ammunition and victualing stores for the fleet. The ship would be equipped with weapons like anti-ship, anti-submarine and CIWS systems.{{Cite web|year=2018|title=Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR) - 2018|url=https://www.mod.gov.in/sites/default/files/tpcr.pdf|page=7|publisher=Ministry of Defence|access-date=2021-03-14}}
The main propulsion system from MAN Energy Solutions of the ships includes two 20V32/44CR four-stroke marine engines [{{Convert|12|MW||abbr=on}} output], two-shaft generators (1 MWe capacity each), a water-lubricated stern-tube system, MAN Alpha controllable pitch propeller as well as associated gearboxes and bow thrusters.
Ships of the class
| class="wikitable"
! Name ! Pennant ! Yard No ! Builders ! Laid down ! Launched ! Commissioned ! Home-port ! Status |
| colspan=9|{{navy|India}} |
|---|
| FSS-1
| |11200 | | | | rowspan="4" |Under construction |
| FSS-2
| |rowspan="2"|Kattupalli Shipyard | | | |
| |
| | | | |
| |
| rowspan="2" |Hindustan Shipyard | | | | |
| |
| | | | | |On order |
Gallery
{{Gallery
|width=160 | height=170
|File:Contract signing between Hindustan Shipyard and Minstry of Defence for Fleet Support ship.jpg
|Contract signing between Hindustan Shipyard and Ministry of Defence for Fleet Support ship.
}}
See also
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Ship classes of the Indian Navy}}
Category:Auxiliary replenishment ship classes