The Visakhapatnam-based Hindustan Shipyard Ltd (HSL) on Monday (04-11-2019) completed the refit of the INS Astradharini, a torpedo launch and recovery vessel of the Indian Navy, two weeks ahead of its contractual completion date. The refit was completed on 30 October.
The bid for the refit was won by HSL on competitive basis and refit commenced from 16 August, 2019. HSL has undertaken all jobs on a war footing along with Patel Engineering Works as prime contractor, and the refit was completed ahead of schedule with the active support of Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam. HSL chairman and managing director Rear Admiral (Retd) LV Sarat Babu said in the that it was for the first time that HSL docked a twin hull catamaran design vessel.
He further added that it is for the first time that majority of the works have been undertaken by MSMEs. He said that for consolidation of expertise developed both in HSL and in associated Industries, continuity of orders would be essential. He said, HSL would also be bidding for MRLC of fourth Naval EKM Submarine, post resolution of some long pending technology transfer issues.