Mumbai: Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) achieved a significant operational milestone at its Ship Repair Complex (SRC) on September 19, 2026, by successfully docking three vessels simultaneously in a single dock.
The vessels — CG Platform, LGT Navya and Samudra Ratnakar — were safely positioned in the same dock through a carefully coordinated operation involving highly precise alignment, controlled movement and strict safety procedures.
The achievement demonstrates HSL’s capability to undertake complex ship-repair operations requiring close coordination between dock personnel, technical teams and vessel crews.
Three Vessels Safely Docked in a Single Dock
The simultaneous docking operation involved positioning all three vessels within the same dock while maintaining extremely tight clearances.
The key operational challenges included:
- Only 4 metres of side clearance between the vessels
- Samudra Ratnakar positioned just 40 cm above the dock floor
- Precise positioning and alignment of dock blocks
- Controlled movement of all three vessels during docking
- Coordination between capstan operators, riggers and ship crews
The vessels were lowered and positioned at their designated locations with careful control throughout the operation.
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Docking Operation Led by HSL Dockmaster
The operation was led by Dock Master and AGM P. Syama Sundar, along with a coordinated team of capstan operators, riggers and crew members.
The team carefully planned the positioning and alignment of the dock blocks before bringing the vessels into their designated positions.
The movement of the vessels was controlled throughout the operation to ensure proper timing, alignment and safe landing.
The successful docking required close coordination among everyone involved, particularly because of the limited clearances between the vessels and the dock floor.
Underwater Inspection Conducted Before Repairs
Following the successful docking, HSL carried out a detailed underwater inspection to verify the positioning of the vessels.
The inspection focused on ensuring that the vessels were properly seated and that the required clearances had been maintained before repair activities commenced.
Key checks included:
- Verification of vessel seating
- Inspection of clearances
- Confirmation of proper positioning on dock blocks
- Underwater assessment before starting repair work
This inspection ensured that the docking arrangements met the required operational conditions before the next phase of work began.
Precision and Teamwork Behind the Operation
HSL described the achievement as the result of years of experience, strict discipline and coordinated teamwork.
The operation required every member of the team to perform their assigned role accurately, from positioning the dock blocks to controlling vessel movement and carrying out the final inspection.
The tight operating conditions meant that even a minor error in calculation, timing or positioning could have affected the docking process.
The successful completion of the operation therefore highlights the importance of precision engineering and coordinated execution in complex ship-repair activities.
HSL Strengthens Complex Ship Repair Capability
The concurrent docking of three vessels represents an important demonstration of HSL’s ability to manage multiple vessels within a single dock while maintaining stringent operational requirements.
The capability can support the shipyard’s focus on improving readiness, operational efficiency and turnaround times for ship-repair activities.
The successful operation also reflects HSL’s efforts to strengthen its infrastructure and technical capabilities for handling increasingly complex ship-repair requirements.
Key Highlights of HSL’s Three-Vessel Docking
- Date: September 19, 2026
- Facility: Ship Repair Complex, HSL
- Vessels: CG Platform, LGT Navya and Samudra Ratnakar
- Vessels Docked: Three simultaneously in one dock
- Side Clearance: Approximately 4 metres between vessels
- Samudra Ratnakar Clearance: Approximately 40 cm above dock floor
- Operation Led By: P. Syama Sundar, Dock Master and AGM
- Key Teams: Capstan operators, riggers and ship crew
- Post-Docking Check: Detailed underwater inspection
- Focus: Precision, safety, coordination and efficient ship repair
About Hindustan Shipyard Limited
Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) is a public sector shipyard under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Based in Visakhapatnam, HSL undertakes shipbuilding, ship repair and submarine-related activities and provides engineering and maintenance services for defence and commercial vessels.
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