Launch of LSAM 13 (Yard 81): Fifth Missile Cum Ammunition Barge for Indian Navy
The launch of LSAM 13 (Yard 81), the fifth barge of the 08 x Missile Cum Ammunition Barge project, marked a significant milestone for the Indian Navy. Built by MSME Shipyard, M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd (SEPPL) in Visakhapatnam, the ceremony took place at M/s Vinayaga Marine Petro Ltd, Maharashtra.
Cmde Manish Vig, General Manager (QA), ND(Mbi), presided over the launching ceremony, emphasizing the strategic importance of these barges for the Navy’s operational commitments. The contract for building these barges was signed between the Ministry of Defence and M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd on 19 Feb 2021.
Designed and constructed indigenously under the regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), these barges underwent rigorous model testing at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam. They are integral to enhancing the Navy’s capabilities in transportation, embarkation, and disembarkation of ammunition and articles for ships, both at jetties and outer harbours.
The launch of LSAM 13 (Yard 81) underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance through the Make in India initiative, further bolstering the nation’s maritime infrastructure and defense capabilities.