The upgraded Slipway‑4, now capable of handling vessels weighing up to 45,000‑tonne deadweight, sits beside the new crane, signalling a new era for shipbuilding in Andhra Pradesh.
The 300‑tonne Goliath crane, engineered by L&T Geostructure with Konecranes, stretches across Slipways 3 and 4. It boasts PLC controls, variable‑frequency drives, tandem‑lifting capability, and remote diagnostics, allowing precise handling of heavy blocks.
At the same gathering, the Navy’s first Fleet Support Ship, FSS‑1, was launched and the keel of FSS‑5 was laid, marking the fifth entry in the five‑ship programme and underscoring India’s growing maritime self‑reliance.
Rear Admiral C Raghuram, HSL’s Chairman‑Managing Director, praised the partnership with L&T Geostructure and Konecranes, noting the dedication of the yard’s workforce. Defence Minister Singh highlighted the shipyard’s role in extending India’s reach across the Indian Ocean, calling it a pillar of national maritime strength.
With the new infrastructure, HSL plans to focus on constructing larger, more complex vessels, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a key maritime hub and advancing its Fleet Support Ship programme.