The Indian Navy celebrated the launch of the ‘Missile Cum Ammunition Barge, LSAM 12 (Yard 80)’ on October 10. This marks the sixth vessel in a series of eight barges constructed by M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd (SEPPL) at their MSME Shipyard in Visakhapatnam. The ceremony was held at M/s Vinayaga Marine Petro Ltd in Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra, and was presided over by Cmde MV Raj Krishna, CoY (Mbi).
The contract for constructing these eight Missile Cum Ammunition Barges was signed between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd on February 19, 2021. The addition of these barges is expected to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy by facilitating the transportation, embarkation, and disembarkation of ammunition and other articles to naval platforms at both jetties and outer harbours.
Indigenously designed and built in accordance with the relevant naval rules and regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping, the barges underwent model testing during their design phase at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory in Visakhapatnam. This project stands as a proud example of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, showcasing the government’s commitment to enhancing indigenous defence production capabilities.
With the launch of LSAM 12, the Indian Navy continues to strengthen its logistical framework, ensuring readiness and operational efficiency in maritime operations.
