GRSE handovers 4th Mark IV LCU vessel – L54 to Indian Navy

The fourth of eight Mark IV LCU vessels – L54, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata was formally handed over to Indian Navy at GRSE, Kolkata. The first ship of Mark IV LCU vessels INS LCU 51 was commissioned into Indian Navy in 2016. Moreover, two more LCU ships L52 & L53 have been already delivered to Indian Navy.

Key Facts

L54 is 62.8 meters long and 11 meters wide and has 90% indigenous content. It is fitted with 2 MTU 16V 4000 M 53 marine Diesel Engines each fitted with one Fixed Pitch Propeller generating 2 X 1840 KW power.
It has displacement capacity of around 950 Tons. It has endurance of around 1500 nautical miles at 12 knots speed. It boasts of modern habitability conditions with accommodation for 216 personnel.
It is fitted with 2 X CRN-91 indigenous 30mm Guns, 4 X MMG and 2 X HMG to provide artillery fire support during attack missions.

Background

The Mark IV LCU vessels are a further improved version of the Mark III LCU vessels presently being used by the Indian Navy. These total eight vessels Mark IV category are amphibious ships with primary role to transport and deploy Main Battle Tanks (MTBs), armoured vehicles, troops and equipment from ship to shore.
LCU MK-IV vessels will be based in Andaman and Nicobar Command. It can be deployed for multirole activities like beaching operations, disaster relief operations, search and rescue, supply and replenishment and evacuation from distant islands. They will contribute to the nation’s maritime security needs.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2018