Indian Navy DSVs to be constructed in Vizag

Two Indian Navy Diving Support Vessels would be constructed in the Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) which is present in Vizag.

The two vessels would be deployed in Vizag and Mumbai after the construction. The first one would be built in 36 months and the second six months later. Each of the vessels would be of 118 metres in length and with a 7,650-tonne displacement approximately.

Also, the Navy would be conducting diving operations in the Indian Ocean region, in addition to the operating submarines for water patrols.

The diving vessels would help in conducting various activities like submarine rescue, underwater inspection, testing or salvage and recovery of ship aircraft lost at sea.

The Navy, while attending the press on Wednesday, mentioned, “As these activities involve diving operations with divers remaining underwater for longer durations, it needs a suitable platform for their launch and recovery, as well as for the carriage of related equipment. The DSV is also equipped with a Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV) that enhances its submarine rescue capabilities significantly,” the communiqué said.

The contract procurement of two sets of non-tethered DSRV, capable for rescuing submarines from the depths of 650 metres, was concluded with James Fisher Defence, UK, in March 2016.