Study OAS · 07 January 2025

Indian Navy Strengthens Ammunition Transportation Capabilities

• The Indian Navy has inducted the 8th ammunition cum torpedo cum missile (ACTCM) barge, LSAM 22 (Yard 132), at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.
• The induction ceremony was attended by Commodore Vinay Venkataram, Officer-in-Charge, Fleet Maintenance Unit.

Key Features of ACTCM Barges:

Enhances Operational Readiness:

• Ensures efficient transportation of essential munitions and equipment.
• Facilitates transportation, embarkation, and disembarkation of articles or ammunition to Indian Navy platforms both alongside jetties and at outer harbours.

Indigenous Design and Construction:

• Designed in collaboration with an Indian ship designing firm.
• Model tested at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam.
• Built in accordance with the relevant Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping.

Significance:

Boosts Self-Reliance:

• Highlights the government's efforts to achieve self-reliance in defence.
• Encourages the participation of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in defence projects.

Operational Commitments:

• Provides an impetus to the operational commitments of the Navy by ensuring timely and efficient transportation of ammunition and equipment.

Contract Details:

• The contract for the construction and delivery of 11 ACTCM barges was signed with Suryadipta Projects Pvt. Ltd in 2021.
• Seven barges have already been delivered to the Indian Navy.

Additional Information:

Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL)

• The Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) is a premier Indian defense laboratory located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Established on 20 August 1969, it is a part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Key Focus:

• NSTL's primary mission is the research and development of underwater weapons and associated systems for the Indian Navy. This includes:
• Torpedoes: Development of advanced torpedoes for various naval platforms.
• Mines: Design and development of underwater mines.
• Decoys: Creating effective underwater decoy systems.
• Fire Control Systems: Development of systems for accurate targeting and weapon deployment.
• Weapon Launchers: Designing and testing launch mechanisms for underwater weapons.

Other Activities:

• In addition to underwater weapons, NSTL is also involved in:
• Hydrodynamic research: Studying the movement of objects through water to improve the design of ships and submarines.
• Stealth technology: Developing technologies to reduce the detectability of naval vessels.
• Warship technology: Contributing to the development of advanced warship technologies.

Indian Register of Shipping (IRS)

• The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) is an internationally recognized ship classification society.
• Founded: 1975
• Headquarters: Mumbai, India

Role:

• Provides classification and certification services for ships and other marine structures.

• Develops and applies technical standards for ship design, construction, and maintenance.

• Conducts surveys and inspections to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

• Membership: A member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), which sets global standards for ship classification.

• Scope: Services cover a wide range of vessels, including cargo ships, tankers, passenger ships, offshore platforms, and naval vessels.

• Significance: Plays a vital role in promoting maritime safety, protecting the environment, and facilitating international trade.