Keel Laying Ceremony of First Cadet Training Ship being built under class of Indian Register of Shipping held in Chennai
Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), a highly respected international ship classification society, recently announced the keel laying ceremony of the first-ever Cadets’ Training Ship. This ship is being built under the class of IRS, showcasing the organization’s commitment to maritime safety and training. The ceremony was held at L&T’s state-of-the-art shipyard located in Kattupalli, Chennai, India. This milestone event marks a significant step towards the development of the next generation of seafarers, who will benefit from the top-notch training provided by the Cadets’ Training Ship.
Currently, three ships are under construction under IRS Classification, with the first vessel expected to be delivered by October 2026. These ships are designed to accommodate a total of 210 Naval cadets, including 60 female cadets, as well as cadets from other countries. The lead vessel of this series is specifically designed to provide a safe and comfortable space for cadets to learn and train.
The Training Ships utilized by the Cadets are equipped with advanced and modern facilities to serve as a comprehensive maritime learning hub, providing hands-on experience, practical skill training, and theoretical knowledge to the cadets. The primary objective of this training is to prepare the cadets for their future roles and responsibilities in the Indian Navy, as well as foreign navies whose cadets are embarked on the ships. The training ships have been designed to meet the changing requirements of the naval industry, which is why they are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and technology.
Furthermore, these training ships are not just limited to training purposes; they also possess the capabilities to be deployed for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. In the event of a crisis or natural disaster, these ships can provide essential support in the form of medical assistance, food and water supplies, and emergency evacuation services. This makes the training ships a versatile and invaluable asset to the Navy, and a crucial component of India’s disaster management strategy.
Commander KK Dhawan (Retd), who currently serves as the Head of Defence for the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), expressed his delight in commemorating the keel laying ceremony of the organization’s first Cadet Training Ship. He emphasized that this event is a testament to the IRS’s unwavering commitment to supporting Indian shipbuilding and associated industries, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs). The majority of the equipment and systems used in the construction will be sourced from indigenous manufacturers, which is a source of immense pride for the organization. Commander Dhawan expressed his pride in being a part of the Indian Navy’s pursuit of indigenous shipbuilding and the Government of India’s vision of promoting self-reliance through initiatives like ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’.
