Maiden Twin Docking of DSS Ships MV Bharat Seema and MV Strait Island at ANC’s Floating Dock Navy (FDN)

Port Blair, Apr 10: Responding to the emergent situation, Andaman and Nicobar Command’s Floating Dock Navy (FDN)-2 successfully undertook dry docking of two DSS ships MV Bharat Seema and MV Strait Island on 03 Apr 24.
Towards this, NSRY of ANC swiftly mobilized its expertise and resources for obtaining Naval HQs approval of docking plans, preparation of dock bed with 81 dock blocks and undertaking the operation, within a short duration of five days. Upon completion, ongoing repairs and undocking scheduled on 15 Apr 24, both ships would be seaworthy to ensure the critical inter-island lifeline services. While this is the maiden twin docking of DSS ships, ANC has regularly provided the much needed critical docking support on FDN-1 as well as FDN-2 to civil ships operating in A&N.
A towering testimony to ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, FDN –2 was indigenously constructed at M/s L&T facility at Kattupalli, Chennai and inducted into Naval Ship Repair Yard (NSRY), Port Blair on 25 May 2018. There are only two FDNs in the Indian Navy and both are at Port Blair. The extremely complex machinery and systems of these FDNs allow them to submerge upto 13 m to haul in and dock ships. These FDNs are manned by a very competent, trained crew of the Indian Navy.