Kongsberg Maritime Secures Contract for Indian Navy's Fleet Support Ships Program

Kongsberg Maritime Secures Contract for Indian Navy's Fleet Support Ships Program Kongsberg Maritime has entered into a strategic partnership with Hindustan Shipbuilding Limited (HSL) to deliver its cutting-edge electric Replenishment-at-Sea (RAS) systems for the Indian Navy’s Fleet Support Ships (FSS) program. This collaboration underscores Kongsberg's growing role in enhancing naval logistics for major global fleets.

Fleet Support Ships (FSS)

Fleet Support Ships are specialized naval vessels designed to provide logistical support to operational warships. They are vital for sustaining naval operations over long durations, particularly in distant waters.

The Indian Navy’s FSS program involves the construction of five such ships, each equipped with advanced replenishment systems to extend the operational range and endurance of the fleet. By ensuring that combat ships remain at sea for longer periods without returning to port, FSSs significantly enhance mission efficiency and naval presence.

Replenishment-at-Sea (RAS) Systems

Replenishment-at-Sea refers to the transfer of fuel, ammunition, and supplies between ships while both are in motion at sea. It is a critical operation for naval forces, especially during extended missions or combat situations.

Kongsberg Maritime's electric RAS system is an advanced iteration of traditional RAS technology, offering the following benefits:

• Electric Drive Mechanism: Enhances precision and safety during supply transfers.
  
  
• Improved Efficiency: Enables faster operations with minimal downtime, ensuring reduced exposure to threats during resupply.
  
  
• Safety Features: Minimizes risks associated with manual handling and harsh sea conditions.
  
  
• Sustainability: Electric systems reduce energy consumption and emissions, aligning with modern naval requirements for eco-friendly solutions.

These systems play a pivotal role in ensuring that vessels remain operational, even in hostile or remote regions, by enabling seamless logistics.

The integration of electric Replenishment-at-Sea (RAS) systems into the Indian Navy’s Fleet Support Ships represents a transformative advancement in naval logistics. These systems ensure operational readiness by enabling uninterrupted resupply operations, even during extended missions in remote or hostile waters. They significantly extend the operational range of naval fleets, allowing ships to remain at sea for longer durations without returning to base. Furthermore, the adoption of energy-efficient electric RAS technology aligns with sustainable practices, offering long-term environmental and operational benefits by reducing energy consumption and emissions.

 The Indian Navy’s FSS program encompasses the construction of five advanced replenishment vessels, designed to bolster the Navy's operational range and sustainability during extended missions. The integration of Kongsberg’s electric RAS technology will enable these ships to perform more efficient, safer, and reliable supply operations while at sea.

 Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, President of Kongsberg Maritime, remarked: “To have secured the contract to supply our electric Replenishment-at-Sea systems to the Indian Navy’s Fleet Support Ships program is significant for Kongsberg Maritime. Our RAS technology enhances operational readiness, extends range, and offers a sustainable and responsive solution for modern navies."

She further emphasized the importance of the long-standing relationship between Kongsberg Maritime and the Indian Navy, highlighting the company’s commitment to supporting the Navy as it modernizes and expands its fleet. 

 The advanced electric RAS system offers a crucial upgrade in naval logistics, ensuring the vessels can maintain peak operational capabilities during complex missions. This contract reinforces Kongsberg's position as a leader in maritime innovation and its dedication to fostering global naval partnerships.

 This agreement aligns with India's broader naval modernization efforts, ensuring a robust and technologically advanced fleet ready to meet contemporary maritime challenges.