Navy commissions first indigenous multi-purpose vessel ‘INS Samarthak’

• Indian Naval Ship Samarthak, the first of class Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPVs), was commissioned into the Indian Navy at Karwar naval base in Karnataka on October 16.

Highlights of INS Samarthak:

• INS Samarthak marks a significant milestone in India’s indigenous shipbuilding journey as the first major warship to be built by an Indian private shipyard. 

• The ship is designed and constructed by Larsen and Toubro Ltd under the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.

• Samarthak is the first of two Multi-Purpose Vessels being inducted into the Indian Navy.

• Samarthak means “The Proponent”.

• Conceived as a versatile platform for trials and evaluation, INS Samarthak embodies the enhanced technological and operational capabilities of the Indian Navy in the 21st century. 

• With over 75 per cent indigenous content, the ship incorporates extensive modular construction and pre-outfitting.

• The ship is capable of supporting multiple missions and has been designed with inherent versatility and adaptability.

• Designed primarily for maritime surveillance and patrol, Samarthak is also capable of undertaking Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), Target Deployment & Trials Platform, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), conversion to a limited hospital ship and fighting for salvage operations.

• The crest of Samarthak, features the formidable Indian elephant emerging from the waves, symbolising strength and agility.