New Delhi: The Indian Navy has received Nipun, the second indigenously built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), marking another milestone in India’s growing self reliance in naval shipbuilding and underwater rescue operations.
Constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam, Nipun was formally handed over to the Navy following the signing of the acceptance document by senior naval officials and HSL representatives. The delivery comes almost a year after the induction of the lead vessel of the class, INS Nistar, highlighting the shipyard’s capability to execute complex defence projects.
Named after the Sanskrit word meaning skilled and proficient, Nipun has been designed to undertake specialised deep sea diving, submarine rescue and underwater intervention missions. Built in accordance with the Indian Register of Shipping standards, the vessel represents a significant achievement in indigenous naval engineering.
Measuring 118 metres in length and displacing more than 8,560 tonnes, the vessel has over 80 percent indigenous content. It is equipped with advanced Dynamic Positioning systems, Saturation Diving facilities, Deep Sea Intervention capabilities and Submarine Rescue systems, enabling it to conduct complex underwater operations with high precision.
The ship features state of the art diving equipment, a Side Diving Stage and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) for diver monitoring, underwater inspection and deep sea salvage missions. It will also serve as the mother ship for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), allowing the Navy to carry out rescue operations for personnel trapped inside submarines during emergencies.
The project also provided a boost to India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, with nearly 120 small and medium enterprises contributing to the construction of the vessel, reinforcing the country’s push towards indigenous defence production.
The induction of Nipun further strengthens the Indian Navy’s underwater operational capabilities and enhances its ability to respond to submarine emergencies. Together with INS Nistar, the vessel is expected to play a vital role in expanding India’s strategic maritime capabilities while reinforcing Visakhapatnam’s position as one of the country’s leading naval shipbuilding hubs.
Sorry, there was a YouTube error.
