Samarthak: India's First Indigenous multi-purpose vessel launches today

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], October 14 : The first ship of the two Multi-Purpose Vessel project, being built by L&T, Shipyard for the Indian Navy, was launched on Tuesday at L&T, Kattupalli, a press release said.
In keeping with maritime traditions, the ship was launched by Shashi Tripathi President of NWWA. The ceremony was presided over by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff. The ship has been named ' Samarthak ' which means ' Supporter' and is synonymous with the muti-dimensional role envisaged from the platform.
According to the release, the contract for building two Multi-Purpose vessels was signed between the Ministry of Defence and L&T Shipyard on March 25, 20 22. These Multi Purpose Vessels will be capable of towing ships, launching and recovering various targets, operating unscrewed autonomous vehicles and acting as a trial platform for various indigenous weapons and sensors under development.
The Multi-Purpose Vessels can achieve a maximum speed of 15 knots and are 106 m long and 16.8 wide.
The Indian Navy remains steadfast in its efforts towards indigenous shipbuilding. The launch of this vessel by a private Indian shipyard showcases the Indian Navy's strides in indigenous shipbuilding, in consonance with government of India's vision for the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat ' and ' Make in India ' initiatives.