Defence Minister Inaugurates Maritime Infrastructure Projects in Visakhapatnam

Why in the News?

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated and launched major shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure projects at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam to boost India's naval capabilities.

Key Features / Major Points:

• Launch of Fleet Support Ship-1 (FSS-1): The first of five 43,500-tonne Fleet Support Ships being built for the Indian Navy was launched into the Bay of Bengal, just 18 months after steel cutting.
• Keel Laying of FSS-5: The keel for Fleet Support Ship-5 was laid, marking significant progress in the multi-ship series.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Inaugurated the upgraded Slipway-4 along with a new 300-tonne Goliath Crane at HSL.
• Capacity Enhancement: The upgraded slipway and crane allow HSL to construct and launch vessels of up to 45,000 DWT, significantly expanding its capability for larger warships.
• Strategic Role: Fleet Support Ships supply fuel, water, and provisions to Indian Navy warships at sea, allowing them to remain deployed for extended durations.

Static GK Facts:

• Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL): Founded in 1941 (Headquarters: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh).
• Defence Minister of India: Rajnath Singh.
• Indian Navy: Headquarters in New Delhi.

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: Where did Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launch Fleet Support Ship-1 (FSS-1)?

A: Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam

Q: What is the capacity of the newly inaugurated Goliath Crane at HSL?

A: 300-tonne

Q: Up to what Deadweight Tonnage (DWT) can HSL build vessels following the Slipway-4 upgrade?

A: 45,000 DWT

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