Indian Navy Enhances Maritime Capabilities with Launch of LSAM 10 Missile Cum Ammunition Barge

Visakhapatnam, November 20, 2023 – In a significant milestone for maritime capabilities, the Missile Cum Ammunition Barge, LSAM 10 (Yard 78), the fourth in the series of 08 x Missile Cum Ammunition Barges, was successfully launched on November 20, 2023. The barge is part of a project undertaken by MSME Shipyard, M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd (SEPPL), Visakhapatnam, for the Indian Navy.

The launch event took place at Guttenadeevi, East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, the designated launch site of M/s SEPPL. The launching ceremony was presided over by Cmde Shanmugam Sabesan, Commanding Officer (East).

The contract for the construction of 08 x Missile Cum Ammunition Barges was formalized between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd, Visakhapatnam, on February 19, 2021. The addition of these Barges is expected to significantly enhance the operational commitments of the Indian Navy by facilitating the efficient transportation, embarkation, and disembarkation of articles and ammunition to IN ships both alongside jetties and at outer harbors.

Designed and built indigenously, the Barges adhere to the relevant Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). Model testing during the design stage was conducted at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam. These Barges proudly contribute to the Make in India initiative of the Government of India (GoI), showcasing the nation’s prowess in maritime technology and self-reliance.