Indian Register of Shipping Strengthens Role in Major Defense Projects

20 January 2025

Cdr. K K Dhawan (Retd), Head Defense, Indian Register of Shipping. (Image credit: IRS)

The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), a leading international classification society, is growing its role in advancing India's defense capabilities through its participation in major new construction projects for the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, thereby taking a major step forward in realizing a self-reliant defense manufacturing capability, as envisioned under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Recently, ‘steel-cutting’ took place for several major new construction vessels, as mentioned below, all of which are being classified by the Indian Register of Shipping. The vessels include:

Second ‘Fleet Support Ship’ at L&T Shipbuilding
First ‘Next Generation Missile Vessel’ at Cochin Shipyard Ltd
Second ‘Next Generation Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel’ and first Coast Guard ‘Fast Patrol Vessels’ at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd.
Keel laying of the Third Cadet Training Ship at L&T

The concurrent commencement of production of these modern Naval and Coast Guard platforms, including the complex Next Generation Missile Vessels and Fleet Support Ships spread across multiple shipyards, presents a unique challenge that will test the IRS’ technical capabilities and capacity to the fullest.

Commenting on the occasion, Cdr. K K Dhawan (Retd), Head Defense, IRS, said: “This milestone signifies India’s growing capabilities in Indigenous defense manufacturing, and IRS is honored to play a pivotal role in ensuring these vessels meet the highest standards of safety and performance. IRS will take all required steps to ensure timely delivery of classification services and adherence to quality benchmarks.”