New Delhi: The Indian Navy achieved three important milestones in indigenous shipbuilding on October 26, 2026, with the launch of the first Sullage Barge (Yard 142), keel laying of the third Sullage Barge (Yard 144), and keel laying of the first Bottom Opening Dumb Barge (Yard 148). The ceremonies were held at M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, an MSME shipyard based in Thane, Maharashtra.
Rear Admiral Kapil Mehta, Assistant Controller of Warship Production and Acquisition (ACWP&A), attended the ceremonies as the Chief Guest.
The milestones represent continued progress in the construction of specialised vessels for the Indian Navy and highlight the role of domestic shipyards and Indian design expertise in strengthening the country’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities.
Contracts Cover Seven Barges for the Indian Navy
The contracts for the construction of four 300-tonne Sullage Barges and three Bottom Opening Dumb Barges were awarded to M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane. The contract for the four Sullage Barges was concluded in November 2024, while the contract for the three Bottom Opening Dumb Barges was concluded in January 2026.
The latest launch and keel laying ceremonies mark progress in the execution of these contracts. Yard 142 is the first Sullage Barge under the programme to be launched, while Yard 144 marks the keel laying of the third Sullage Barge. Yard 148 marks the keel laying of the first Bottom Opening Dumb Barge.
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Indigenous Design and Construction
The barges have been indigenously designed and are being built by the shipyard in collaboration with an Indian ship design firm and the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). This partnership brings together domestic shipbuilding, design and classification expertise in the construction of specialised naval support vessels.
The project reflects the contribution of Indian MSME shipyards to defence manufacturing and the development of indigenous capabilities for the Indian Navy. Participation by domestic industrial partners also supports the broader objective of expanding India’s self-reliance in defence production.
Supporting Naval Operations and MARPOL Compliance
The Sullage Barges and Bottom Opening Dumb Barges are intended to support the operational requirements of Indian Navy platforms. Their construction is also linked to compliance with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, commonly known as MARPOL.
By providing specialised support for naval operations and environmental compliance, the barges will contribute to the Navy’s logistical and operational requirements.
Advancing Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat
The project is aligned with the Government of India’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, which seek to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign sources for key equipment and capabilities.
The latest milestones at Suryadipta Projects underscore the role of indigenous design, Indian shipyards and domestic industry partnerships in meeting the Indian Navy’s requirements. The construction of all seven barges represents a contribution to India’s wider efforts to build a stronger and more self-reliant defence manufacturing ecosystem.
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