The first indigenously built Floating Dock (FDN-2) for the
Indian Navy was launched today (20 Jun 17) by Smt Anjali Deshpande, wife
of Vice Admiral DM Deshpande, AVSM, VSM, Controller of Warship
Production & Acquisition at an impressive ceremony at Larsen &
Toubro Ltd (L&T) Shipyard at Kattupalli near Chennai.
After formal welcome by Vice Admiral B Kannan (Retd), PVSM,
AVSM, VSM, Head of Ship Building, L&T the ceremony commenced with an
address by the Chief Guest, Vice Admiral DM Deshpande, AVSM, VSM, Controller of
Warship Production & Acquisition. Thereafter in accordance with the
traditions, Smt. Anjali Deshpande applied ‘Kumkum’ on the Floating Dock. She
wished the dock good luck and launched the vessel.
Speaking on the
occasion, Vice Admiral DM Deshpande, commended L&T for their efforts in the
design and construction of FDN-2. He brought out that launching of the
indigenously built Floating Dock, bears testimony to the capabilities available
in India for realising the ‘Make in India’ vision. He extended warm
felicitations to the entire team of the L&T for the achievement.
Floating
Dock is an indigenously designed and built platform with state of the art
machinery & control systems capable of docking warships of up to 8000 Tons
displacement. It has high capacity Ballast Pumps, along with advanced
automated Ballast Control System. The dock covers provided with the FDN-2
facilitate repair & refit activities in inclement weather conditions.
The launch of Floating Dock (FDN-2), Yard 55000, designed
in-house and built by L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli is a milestone in India’s
quest for self-reliance in shipbuilding.


DKS/AC