Indian Navy Welcomes LSAM 19, the 5th Barge of the ACTCM Barge Project, Bolstering Naval Capabilities

Mumbai:  To enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy, the delivery ceremony of the ‘Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge, LSAM 19’ took place at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai on March 4. This marks the fifth successful delivery as part of the ambitious 11 x ACTCM Barge Project, a collaboration between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and MSME Shipyard, M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane.

The induction ceremony was a momentous occasion, presided over by Captain Ashutosh of HQWNC/ACRO, who expressed the importance of these barges in augmenting the Navy’s operational commitments. The contract for the construction of the 11 X ACTCM Barge was initially inked between MoD and M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd on March 5, 2021.

The primary role of these specialized barges is to facilitate the seamless transportation, embarkation, and disembarkation of articles and ammunition to Indian Navy ships. This capability is crucial for both alongside jetties and outer harbours, ensuring a strategic advantage in various naval operations.

What sets these barges apart is their indigenous design and construction, adhering to the stringent Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping. The model testing of the LSAM 19 and its counterparts was conducted at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory in Visakhapatnam during the design stage, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.

These barges proudly align with the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government of India (GoI), emphasizing self-reliance and the promotion of indigenous manufacturing. The successful delivery of LSAM 19 is a testament to the synergy between the public and private sectors in advancing the nation’s maritime capabilities.

As the Indian Navy continues to modernize its fleet, the ACTCM Barge Project stands as a symbol of technological prowess and self-sufficiency, contributing significantly to the country’s defense preparedness. The ongoing collaboration between the MoD and MSME Shipyard reinforces the commitment to building a robust and advanced naval force to safeguard the nation’s maritime interests.