LSAM 12: The induction ceremony for the sixth missile-cum-ammunition barge, LSAM 12 (Yard 80), was held at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on Friday, with Cmde Abhirup Majumdar, Command Refit Officer at Headquarters Western Naval Command, presiding over the event. This induction marks a significant enhancement to the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy, as these barges are essential for the transportation, embarkation, and disembarkation of articles and ammunition to Navy platforms, both alongside jetties and at outer harbors.
LSAM 12 Construction Contract
The contract for the construction of eight Missile-cum-Ammunition (MCA) Barges was signed with M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt. Ltd., Visakhapatnam, in February 2024. These barges have been designed indigenously, in collaboration with an Indian ship designing firm, and have successfully undergone model testing at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory in Visakhapatnam to ensure seaworthiness.
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“These Barges are proud flag bearers of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives of government of India,” the defence ministry said in a release.
The construction of these barges adheres to the relevant Naval Rules and Regulations as outlined by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards. The introduction of these barges is also a major step towards achieving the government’s goals of promoting self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives.
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These barges are designed to enhance the logistical capabilities of the Navy, enabling quicker and more efficient transfer of ammunition and supplies, which is crucial for the operational readiness of naval platforms. Their construction marks a significant achievement in the Navy’s drive towards modernization and indigenous defense production.
