General News, Questions And Discussions - Indian Navy

Indian Navy is battle arm of the future - Will take China head-on
Saturday, December 09, 2017
By: HT


Any power that has ruled the world has done so on the strength of its navy. Yet the Indian Navy, seen as the neglected service among the three arms of battle, is now proving to be vital for the progress of India, the only country that has an ocean named after it.

It is in this backdrop that vice-admiral Satish Soni set the ball rolling at the panel discussion on the ‘Shape and Contours of the Indian Navy of the Future’ at the Military Literature Festival in Chandigarh on Friday.

“With the blue economy taking shape and over 90% of trade through sea in a not-so-friendly neighbourhood up North, the enormous responsibility of securing the coastlines rests with the navy,” said Soni.

“Post-26/11, the Indian Navy can raise the threshold of any adversary,” he said.


Being Ambitious

The recent inauguration of the first phase of the Chabahar port, opening up a transit route between Iran, Afghanistan and India that bypasses Pakistan, also shows the change in perception. Brigadier RJS Dhillon said, “Today, sea lanes are as crowded as Delhi’s traffic lanes. Monitoring is tough. An all-out war is not feasible but to maintain supremacy we need, what US president Woodrow Wilson said in 1918, ‘absolute freedom at all times in peace and war beyond eight nautical miles’.”

Dhillon added, “It’s the Indian Ocean but not India’s ocean. Build combat capability but be ambitious and take on China’s growing influence. We need a relook beyond the Straits of Malacca. Force structuring for the long term and working on economic and industrial modernisation should be the strategy.”


Best to indigenise

Lt Gen Aditya Singh, a former commander-in-chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command, said, “India was troubled by land borders so the attention went there. The spin-off of the neglect is that the navy has been the best to indigenise and is the most self-contained of the three services.”

Commodore Ranjit Rai, whose book was released by Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh, said that the navy had become the epitome of construction and had produced its own nuclear submarine and underwater missile in Sagarika.

link: ‘Indian Navy is battle arm of the future to take on China’
 
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Indian community in Salalah visits INS Trishul on Indian Navy Day
Indian Naval Ship Trishul was open to visitors in Salalah on the occasion of Navy Day celebrated annually on December 4.


Over 2,000 enthusiastic visitors, which included school children, Indian diaspora, Omani and other nationals, visited the ship at Salalah Port. The ship is commanded by Capt Ajay Shukla and has a complement of 40 officers and 250 sailors. The ship is currently deployed in the Gulf of Aden on an anti-piracy deployment.

Manpreet Singh, chairman, Indian Social Club Salalah presented a memento to Capt Shukla in the presence of Defence Attaché and management committee members of Indian Social Club, Salalah.

Singh thanked H E Indra Mani Pandey, India’s Ambassador to Oman, Defence Attaché N Hariharan and Capt Shukla for arranging the visit of the Indian community to the ship.

Indian Social Club Salalah under the patronage of Embassy of India organised the visit of the Indian community to the ship.
Indian community in Salalah visits INS Trishul on Indian Navy Day - Oman
 
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There's a RFI for modernisation of Naval Aircraft Yards at Goa and Kochi.
 

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All-female Indian Navy crew casting off in round-the-world voyage

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The crew of the INSV Tarini prepare to set sail as they continue their circumnavigation of the world. Photo / Twitter NZDF
NZ Herald

An all-female crew of Indian sailors will embark from Lyttelton port tomorrow as they continue their quest to sail around the world.

The INSV Tarini is crewed by six women from the Indian Navy. They have already covered 7800 nautical miles from Goa in India, crossing the equator on September 25, according to a statement from the navy. The Tarini had stopped off in Fremantle in Australia before arriving in Lyttelton on November 29 for repairs and to top up supplies.


Tomorrow it will set off on the third leg of the journey for Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands, followed by Cape Town in South Africa. The crew expect to arrive back in Goa in April 2018.

As part of the expedition the crew have been monitoring and reporting on marine pollution on the high seas, and are collecting meteorological and ocean data for India's weather forecasting service and researchers.
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The INSV Tarini arrived at Lyttelton port on November 29. Photo / Indian Navy

Speaking before setting sail from Goa, skipper Lt. Commander Vartika Joshi said the journey would be a great boost for India's women. "But, as we are going as sailors and we as sailors have seen that the sea does not discriminate between genders," she said.

"It is always gender-neutral and we have realized that gender does not play a role in sailing." A statement from India's navy said the the expedition is part of a national drive to "empower women to attain their full potential".


"It also aims to help discard the societal attitudes and mindset towards women in India by raising visibility of their participation in hallenging environment." Lieutenant Tim Keating, Chief of the NZ Defence Force, has wished the sailors "fair winds and following seas" as they embark on the rest of their journey.
All-female Indian Navy crew casting off in round-the-world voyage
 
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Navy to double aircraft fleet to 500 in next decade: Sunil Lanba
BY PTI | DEC 16, 2017, 04.10 PM IST


The aviation arm of the Indian Navy will double its aircraft fleet in the coming decade to nearly 500, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba said here today.

“We have a naval air wing, which has 238 aircraft at the moment. It has a combination of fighters, helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft, both-long range and short range. And we have a plan in place…in a decade’s time this Naval air wing will grow to close to 500 aircraft of different types,” Lanba said at a press conference.


Lanba reviewed the Combined Graduation Parade at Air Force Academy here.

Replying to a query on the issue of Sabi Giri, an Indian Navy sailor, who was discharged from service for undergoing a sex change surgery, the naval chief said the force cannot take her into direct employment, but is willing to accept her if she comes through any agency as a contract staff.

Defending the termination of the sailor’s employment, Lanba said the Navy is a gender-neutral service but Giri’s actions violated the rules.

“Specifically to the issue of Giri, he was inducted as male in the Navy. And there is no provision in the Navy or in the rules and regulation where you can go and do what he has gone and done. That’s why he has been dismissed from the service for violating the rules and regulations.

“We told the court that we cannot do that (take her into employment). And we have told the court that if a private party is willing to employ her, come as a contract worker in the Navy (as an employee of the private party, not as Navy’s direct employee),” he explained.

“We are a gender-neutral service. We make no distinctions based on gender. We induct both men and women. They both have rigorous training and same rules and regulations are followed,” he added.

The Navy chief said the defence wing is committed to the government’s ‘Make in India’ programme and currently as many as 34 ships and submarines are under construction in Indian shipyards.

Meanwhile, Air Force Academy said, in a statement, that 105 flight cadets passed out today as Flying Officers, including 15 women officers. The officers include two fighter pilots, it said.


Navy to double aircraft fleet to 500 in next decade: Sunil Lanba
 
Indian Navy Conducts Exercise Naseem-Al-Bahr with Oman Navy

Indian Naval Ships Trikand and Teg are deployed to Oman for bilateral exercise ‘Naseem Al Bahr’ or ‘Sea Breeze’. This exercise is the 11th edition and has been a biennial feature since 1993. The Indian ships entered Muscat on 16 Dec 17 for the harbour phase. A Pre-sail conference for the exercise chaired by Executive Officer of the base, Capt Aqeed Rukn Barry, was held at Said Bin Sultan Naval Base, Wudam on 17 Dec 17.

Delegations from Royal Navy of Oman embarked Indian Naval Ship Teg on 18 Dec 17 for briefing on basic Anti-submarine warfare procedures. The Indian Navy ships along with four Royal Navy of Oman ships Al Rasikh, Khassab, Al Mubashir and Al Bushra sailed for the sea phase of the exercise where, for the first time, an Indian Navy submarine as well as the versatile P8I, long range maritime aircraft are participating.

India has an ancient maritime tradition and maritime interaction with Oman dates back to over 4000 years B.C. Bilateral relation between Indian and Oman were formally established with signing of a 1953 Indo-Oman Treaty of friendship, Navigation and Commerce, a first between India and an Arab country. Since then, Naval exercises have contributed to strengthening of bilateral ties between India and Sultanate of Oman. The first exercise Indian Navy with Royal Navy of Oman was conducted in 1993 and this year marks 24 years of Indian Navy -Royal Navy of Oman bilateral exercises. The signing of an MoU on Defence Cooperation in Dec 2005 and subsequent establishment of the Joint Military Cooperation in Mar 2006 has set the foundation for increased defence cooperation. The naval cooperation between the countries has gradually increased in scope and scale.

Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, PVSM, ASM, VSM, ADC, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command is visiting Oman from 21 Dec to 25 Dec 17 to witness the ongoing bilateral exercise.

***


DKS/AC 93/17
(Release ID :174638)
 
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NEW DELHI: US Secretary of the Navy Richard V Spencer held wide-ranging talks with Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba to further boost bilateral naval cooperation besides pursuing common interests in the Indo-Pacific.
The US Embassy said cooperation between the two navies, shared commitment of both countries to the rule of law, freedom of navigation and free and fair trade were discussed in the meetings.
The US has been pushing for an important role by India in the Indo-Pacific region where China has been expanding its presence aggressively.
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"The relationship between the United States and India is based on our shared values and desire to preserve peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and across the seas," the Embassy quoted Spencer as saying.
He said, "India is a model for peacefully resolving maritime border disputes and a strong provider of security. We look forward once again to joining the Indian Navy and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force in the Malabar exercise to be hosted in the Pacific next year."
This is Spencer's first visit to India as Secretary of the Navy.
US Navy Secretary meets Foreign Secretary, Navy Chief
 
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IFCI files bankruptcy case against Reliance Naval
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MUMBAI: State-run IFCI has filed for proceedings against Reliance Naval and Engineering under the bankruptcy code to recover its dues which the company dismissed as ‘premature.’ This would be a blow to the Anil Ambani owned a firm which was planning to make it big in the defence sector by building ships for the Indian navy.

The case filed in the Ahmedabad bench of the court under Section 7 of IBC on 27 November. “The outstanding amount due from Reliance Naval was a legacy loan borrowed by the erstwhile Pipavav Defence and Offshore. IFCI has recalled the entire loan and approached the NCLT for the same,” said a lawyer aware of the case. The exact amount of the loan could not be immediately ascertained.

No IFCI official could be reached immediately. The first hearing of the case will be held on 8 December.

In a clarification on the BSE, Reliance Naval said that the case against the company does not stand. “There are no merits in the application filed by IFCI as it is an unsecured creditor. The action of IFCI is unwarranted and premature. The 25 secured lenders of the company have also requested IFCI that the matter be resolved outside the NCLT. The company will take all necessary steps to safeguard the interest of all stakeholders,” Reliance Naval said.

Lenders led by SBI have lent close to Rs 9,000 crore to Reliance Naval and Engineering, the erstwhile Pipavav Defence which was acquired by Reliance Infrastructure in 2015. The loans have been classified as special mention account-2 or SMA-2 with banks for more than three years.

SMA-2 are those where bank have not received payment from the borrower for over 60 days. Interest on loans not serviced for 90 days are classified as non-performing.
Bikki Raveendra Babu and Manorama Kumari, member judicial at NCLT Ahmedabad have issued an interim order saying the respondent (Reliance Naval) shall file its objection, if any, within one week of serving a copy in advance to petitioner (IFCL).

Link:IFCI files bankruptcy case against Reliance Naval

Anil Ambani? The guy's a permanent loser. Only to be expected.
 
INS Trishul to return home after Anti Piracy Patrol of 120 days
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INS Trishul will return to Mumbai on December 23 after completion of her four month long mission in the Gulf of Aden Region.


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The ship had left Mumbai in Aug this year for carrying out anti piracy patrol in one of the most geostrategically sensitive regions of the world. The extended deployment of Trishul reflects the continued commitment of the Indian Navy to ensure security and stability in the key shipping lanes in the IOR and part of the mission based deployment philosophy the Indian Navy has adopted in recent days.


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During the deployment, the ship traversed a distance of more than 26,000 nautical miles (approx 48000 kms) are entered at Salalah, Oman and Djibouti for operational turn around, carried out a bilateral exercise with the Italian Navy and exchange visits with Italian, Russian, American, Japanese Bangladesh Navy/ Coast Guard ships.


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On October 6, Trishul successfully thwarted a piracy attempt on MV Jag Amar, an Indian merchant ship. The ship also escorted more than 50 merchant ships safely through the waters of Gulf of Aden and Somalia.
http://www.ddinews.gov.in/national/ins-trishul-return-home-after-anti-piracy-patrol-120-days
 
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Indian naval ships to arrive on goodwill visit
Two Indian Navy ships, INS Teg and INS Trikand, will make a port of call in the Capital on Saturday. The ships are on a goodwill visit and seek to further strengthen defence cooperation between the two countries. The ships showcase India's achievements in maritime capabilities.

The INS Teg is a stealth frigate capable of undertaking multi-dimensional warfare under commanding officer Nirbhay Bapna, It has added teeth to India's western fleet and is termed the 'sword arm' of the Indian Navy. The ship represented India in several overseas deployments, including three anti-piracy deployments. It has also excelled in tactical exercise since 2012.

Upal Kundu is the commanding officer of INS Trikand, which is equipped with a range of weapons and sensors enabling the ship to address threats in air, surface and sub-surface. The ship is further augmented with the latest stealth features like reduced radar, infrared, magnetic and acoustic signatures, which makes it difficult to detect by the enemy during war.
The goodwill visit aims to underscore India's peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries in the Gulf region. The ships will depart on Tuesday.
Indian naval ships to arrive on goodwill visit
 
UAE, India to hold joint naval exercise
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The India-UAE ties have undergone a paradigm shift following the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
(Ryan Lim)
Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command of Indian Navy, said the first full-fledged naval exercise will be towards the end of March next year.

Giving a big push to bilateral ties, the UAE and India decided to conduct their first-ever joint naval exercise, a top Indian official said in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command of Indian Navy, said the first full-fledged naval exercise will be towards the end of March next year. He noted that these developments were signs of the bilateral relations going from strength to strength.

"Many new initiatives are on the anvil. We have had very long and strong relationship with the UAE. And the maritime relationship is getting better each day. There are a number of areas where the two navies cooperate with different operations at sea. We have port visits and training exchanges. We have areas of information sharing.

"In the present environment, cooperation between the naval forces is of paramount importance to ensure stability and security in the India-Pacific and Gulf region," Vice Admiral Luthra said during a media interaction onboard INS Teg, a one of the two ships on a goodwill visit to the UAE. The other ship is INS Trikand and both are docked at Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi.

The INS Teg is a stealth frigate capable of undertaking multi-dimensional warfare under commanding officer Nirbhay Bapna, It has added teeth to India's western fleet and is termed the 'sword arm' of the Indian Navy. The ship represented India in several overseas deployments, including three anti-piracy deployments. It has also excelled in tactical exercise since 2012.

The India-UAE ties have undergone a paradigm shift following the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year. The visit was first in 34 years by an Indian prime minister. Modi visited the UAE following an invitation from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces, who attended the Indian Republic Day Parade.

A 149-strong UAE military contingent, accompanied by a UAE military band of 35 personnel, opened the parade, becoming the first foreign country to lead India's Republic Day celebrations. Since then, the two countries have widened their areas of cooperation in many fields.

The ships docked at the Zayed Port will depart on Tuesday.
UAE, India to hold joint naval exercise
 
India- Sri Lanka Navy Joint Hydrographic Survey second phase completed
The India-Sri Lanka Navy Joint Hydrographic Survey completed its second phase this week which had commenced with the arrival of the Indian Naval Ship Sutlej on 26th October this year, Navy said.

The survey extended to a depth contour of 200 m from the coastline, ranging from Colombo to Galle. Data collected helped to identify the changes of morphology triggered by the Tsunami in 2004 and update information with regard to constructions including small harbours, break waters etc. that have come up along the coastline. The third phase of the survey is scheduled to be carried out from Great Basses to Sangamankanda next year.

The fair sheet containing the soundings from the Hydrographic Survey was handed over to the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe by the Commanding Officer INS Sutlej, Captain Tribhuvan Singh at the Naval Headquarters.

Chief Hydrography Officer of the Sri Lanka Navy, Rear Admiral Sisira Jayakody and the Indian Defence Attaché were also present during the occasion.
Sunday Times - India- Sri Lanka Navy Joint Hydrographic Survey second phase completed
 
HSL may soon start building two Diving Support Vessels (DSV) for the Indian Navy

Hindustan Shipyard Ltd has won a contract to build two diving support vessels (DSV) for the Indian Navy, chairman and managing director of HSL, Rear Admiral (Retd) LV Sarath Babu said on Monday.

Talking to TOI, Admiral Sarath Babu said each of the DSVs would cost Rs 1,000 crore. The DSV is used by the Indian Navy to help in emergencies like a submarine sinking, or to provide material to submarines. He said HSL had won the contract through a competitive bidding process.

"We have completed the price negotiations, and expect to sign the work contract soon," Admiral Sarath Babu said.

The first DSV would be delivered within three years of getting the contract, and the second one will be due for delivery within 12 months of the delivery of the first vessel.

Asked whether HSL had the capabilities to build the specialised vessels, the HSL chairman said the shipyard, which was set up in 1941, had the wherewithal in terms of technology and manpower to design, construct and deliver the vessels to the Indian Navy on time.

"For highly specialised technology and labour, we will bring in outside consultants for the purpose, but we will deliver the vessels to the Indian Navy's satisfaction and also on time," Admiral Sarath Babu said.

The Navy contract has come at the right time for HSL, which is struggling to stay afloat as orders for ships dried up several years ago forcing it to depend mainly on ship repairing works to stay in business.

The retired rear admiral said apart from the DSV contract, HSL was also being considered to repair an Indian Navy submarine. "The repair work is for medium-term retrofit and life certification. As part of the contract, we will increase the life span of the submarine's service by seven years," he said.

The submarine retrofit contract is expected to last for at least three years. HSL is expected to get the contract in early 2018. "HSL will now have enough work for the next few years. The only major issue we have to handle is the legacy issue of the company's losses," he said. The company had appealed to the Union government for a financial restructuring package.

If the government approves the restructuring, HSL's negative net worth of Rs 750.51 crore would be erased from its books. In FY 2016-17, HSL posted revenues of Rs 650.08 crore with an operational profit of Rs 38 crore. Operational profit of a company is the profit before interest and taxes.

HSL may soon start building two Diving Support Vessels (DSV) for the Indian Navy
 
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Indian Navy Orders Diver Detection Devices

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The Indian Navy has ordered 78 diver detection sonar devices from Israel-based DSIT Solutions Ltd, the defense contractor announced Monday.

Due to the Indian Navy’s domestic procurement requirements, DSIT has partnered with India-based Tata Power SED, a subsidiary of Tata Group, on the manufacturing of the underwater security systems. Some of the devices will be delivered to the navy directly by DSIT and the rest will be made in India by Tata.

The DSIT devices were selected after a bidding process conducted by Indian Ministry of Defense, which included offshore technical assessments. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“(The deal) shows the growing concern among navies, coastguards and other organizations, seeking to protect their coastal and offshore critical sites and vessels from underwater intrusion and sabotage,” said Dan Ben Dov, a DSIT marketing executive.

Indian Navy Orders Diver Detection Devices - CTech

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AquaShield™ DDS
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The AquaShield™ DDS supports long range of detection for all types of underwater threats including Divers using Rebreathing Apparatus, Scuba Divers and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs). The AquaShield™ architecture is modular to allow maximum flexibility in its deployment and installation. The system offers three sector coverage configurations: 120⁰, 240⁰ and 360⁰. All configurations cover the entire relevant water column.

The system supports fully automatic operation – from detection, through tracking to classification and alert – and thus eliminating the need for a well-trained sonar operator. Its advanced signal processing algorithms ensure the desired combination of very high Probability of Detection (PD) with very low False Alarm Rate (FAR).

The AquaShield is built to last! It is designed to stay under the water for long periods of time with very little maintenance required. It is extremely robust and reliable and can even withstand the detonation of a standard underwater charge (200 gr TNT) at a range of 5 meters.

The AquaShield™ is in operational use at many sites around the world; serving leading navies, coast guards, energy companies, port authorities and VIPs. The AquaShield has an excellent track record in providing reliable underwater security in warm and cold water alike.


PointShield™ PDDS
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The PointShield™ is also suitable for fixed installations where limited area needs to be covered. Sites that may be secured using the PointShield™ include Nuclear Power Facilities, Underwater Pipelines and Cables, Naval Bases piers, Ports, Oil & Gas Terminals, Offshore Platforms and Canals.

The PointShield™ is lightweight, compact and portable to allow rapid deployment and retrieval. Nevertheless, the PointShield™ is robust and can withstand rough waters and long-term continuous underwater operation, making it ideal for permanent installations as well.

The PointShield™ PDDS supports fully automatic operation – from detection, through tracking to classification and alert – and thus eliminating the need for a well-trained sonar operator. Its advanced signal processing algorithms ensure the desired combination of very high Probability of Detection (PD) with very low False Alarm Rate (FAR).

The system supports detection of all types of underwater threats including Divers using Rebreathing Apparatus, Scuba Divers, and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs). It provides Omni-Directional (360°) coverage, creating a security sphere that surrounds the protected object from all sides and covers the entire relevant water column.

The PointShield™ is in operational use by customers around the world and was successfully tested by navies, coast guards, energy companies and VIPs in both cold and warm waters.


 
Indian Navy & Cochin Port Trust enter into MoU
As per the MoU, Cochin Port’s Q2 and Q3 berths at Mattacherry wharf, totaling 228 metre quay length, would be be handed over to the Indian Navy for five years for berthing their ships.
PTI
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As per the MoU, Cochin Port’s Q2 and Q3 berths at Mattacherry wharf, totaling 228 metre quay length, would be be handed over to the Indian Navy for five years for berthing their ships.

The Indian Navy had requested for an exclusive berthing facility in Cochin Port for berthing their ships during reconstruction period of their berths.

"In view of the national interest involved, Cochin Port examined the request and decided that Cochin Port's oldest wharf, Mattacherry Wharf can be spared, since those are not suitable any longer for berthing of big cargo ships due to limitation of draft and displacement", a CPT release said.

This is a landmark decision in the history of Cochin Port and would go a long way in the combined efforts of the Port and Navy for ensuring the safety of the nation, it added.

The MoU was signed yesterday on behalf of Cochin Port Trust by Goutam Gupta, Traffic Manager and Commodore Deepak Kumar, Chief Staff Officer (Ops), Southern Naval Command for Indian Navy, a Port Trust release said here today.

Indian Navy & Cochin Port Trust enter into MoU
 
The blaze was extinguished after six hours.
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A fire broke out on the Indian Navy’s stealth warship INS Shivalik in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday, ANI reported. There were no casualties.
The blaze erupted on the vessel while it was docked at the Eastern Naval Command’s engine store room. The fire was doused after six hours.
Unidentified Navy officials said that an inquiry has been ordered into the incident. More details are awaited.

More at : Visakhapatnam: Fire breaks out on INS Shivalik warship, no casualties reported
 
2700 sailors ready to serve country
Sunil Patnaik Jan 12, 2018 00:00 IST


officer awarded medals and trophies to meritorious trainees at the parade. Speaking on the occasion, Karve exhorted the trainees on the importance of honing the skills they gained at INS Chilka and the need to set high standards of professionalism and conduct in their future appointment. He also asserted that "philosophy of professionalism must be based on the Indian Navy's core values such as duty, honour and courage" to all sailors.

The ceremony was also attended by the parents of trainees from all over India and other dignitaries of the navy and the coast guard.

The training regimen being followed at INS Chilka is well structured and scientifically prepared to meet specific objectives of both the navy and the Indian Coast Guard.

Trainees at INS Chilka are exposed to various service subjects as well as academic study. Equal emphasis is laid on toughening the raw recruits, both physically and mentally, through drills, route march sailing expeditions, outdoor camps, weapons training , swimming and sports. These trainees will now proceed for cadre-specific professional training at sea and at specialist training schools of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard.

Karve, on Wednesday, along with other dignitaries, witnessed a valedictory function showcasing the cultural and extracurricular talents of the trainees. A bilingual magazine, Ankur, encapsulating a host of training activities at INS Chilka was also released on the occasion by the chief guest in the presence of Commodore Manish Misra, the commanding officer of INS Chilka.
2700 sailors ready to serve country
 
Massive Submarine Upgrade Project worth 1000 Crores with Russia partnering with HSL

Massive Submarine Upgrade Project worth 1000 Crores with Russia partnering with HSL

A massive submarine project that is worth 1000 Crores has Hindustan Shipyard Limited, HSL in talks with shipbuilding firm from Russia.

Hindustan Shipyard Limited may be undertaking Medium Refit and Life Certification (MRLC) of a Russia EKM Class submarine that may is a project worth Rs. 1000 Crore. The firm from Russia is already in talks with HSL and if the contract goes through the work is slotted to start this year. With work by HSL, the life of the 25 year old submarine is expected to extend by 10 years. For discussions, a 7 member delegation from Joint Stock Company United Shipbuilding Corporation, Moscow, Russia lead by Alexey V Dikiy, Director, Military and Technical Corporation, was in Visakhapatnam from January 10-12.

The refit that HSL could be taking over will give a new lease of life, extending the operational time by 10 years. A total of 4 submarines are to undergo refit through Indian Navy and HSL. Two of the refits are happening in Russia while 2 others will be undertaken here.

There were two bidders for this purpose and these were HSL based in Visakhapatnam and the Larsen and Toubro shipyard based in Chennai. The competitive bidding process starts in March. The visiting delegation from Russia were shown around the shipyard and they were extremely happy with the shipyard’s infrastructure, our expertise and work-culture. The HSL authorities are extremely confident of bagging the contract.