India Launches First Multi-Purpose Vessel Project Ship

L&T Shipyard launched the Indian Navys first MPV (Multi-Purpose Vessel) project ship AYUSH at L&T Kattupalli. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi during the event which is another landmark in the Indian shipbuilding history The ship Samarthak, which means "Supporter" in Hindi, was named and launched by Mrs. Shashi Tripathi wife of Vice Adm V S Tripathis (retd) & President of the Naval Wives Welfare Association.

The MPV Project in India:

• The Indian Ministry of Defence signed a contract with L&T Shipyard on 25 March 2022 for the construction of two Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPVs).
• Tackling a range of Navy missions, each MPV has its own mission package that can involve anything from tow ships to land and recover targets, operate unmanned platforms, or test the latest weapons and sensors.

MPV Samarthak Specifications At A Glance:

• Length: 106 meters
• Width: 16.8 meters
• Maximum Speed: 15 knots

Importance of the Launch:

• Complementary to Indian government initiative of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' & 'Make in India' campaign, enhancing self-reliance and domestic manufacturing capacities across sectors.
• Demonstrates an enhancing indigenous warship-building capability in India, thus enabling expansion of maritime capabilities.

Getting to know Multi-purpose vessels (MPVs):

• These vessels are used as commercial and offshore MPV ships, as well as for humanitarian missions and disaster relief efforts.