The third ship of the landing craft utility (LCU) Mk IV project, Yard 2094, for the Indian Navy was launched at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE), Kolkata, recently in the presence of Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, and Mrs. Reena Lanba.

Launching of Yard 2094, designed in-house and built by GRSE for the Indian Navy, is yet another milestone in India’s quest for selfreliance in sophisticated shipbuilding. Mrs. Lanba named the ship as ‘LCU L53’ and wished the ship good luck before launch.

LCU L53 is the third vessel in the series of eight LCU ships being built by GRSE for the Indian Navy. The first LCU was launched on March 12, and the second on September 23 last year. These ships will play significant role in transportation of main battle tanks, armoured vehicles and troops of the Indian Army during amphibious operations.

The ship will be fitted with an advanced integrated platform management system for remote control of propulsion, auxiliary and power generating equipment. Two CRN-91 indigenous 30mm guns to provide fire support during operations will also be fitted onboard. The ship can be deployed for maritime roles like maritime security, beaching/un-beaching, humanitarian relief operations and evacuation from distant islands, search and rescue operations and peacekeeping missions.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Admiral Lanba commended the contributions made by GRSE towards meeting the Navy’s growing requirements of state-of-the-art warships. He also lauded GRSE and its team of designers, engineers, technicians, quality controllers and the members of Warship Overseeing Team for their untiring efforts in successfully achieving this significant milestone of launching of Yard 2094.

He appreciated the efforts put in by GRSE and other private sector industries for their valuable contributions towards achieving Indian Navy’s dream of transformation from a ‘Buyers Navy’ to a ‘Builders Navy’.