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Kolkata, The second in the series of eight 'Landing Craft - Utility' (LCU) Mark-IV ships being built for the Indian Navy by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), was launched today at Kolkata. The keel of the LCU - Yard 2093 - was earlier laid on April 2013.

Following maritime traditions, the ship was launched by Ms. Sharmistha Chatterjee, wife of Vice Admiral PK Chatterjee, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) who was the chief guest on the occasion. Rear Admiral AK Verma (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE and officials from Ministry of Defence and State Administration were also present on the occasion.

GRSE had signed the contract for design and building of eight LCU ships from Indian Navy on September 2011. The remarkable feature of these LCU Mark-IV ships are that these have been developed in-house by GRSE as per requirements specified by Indian Navy.

The ships are designed for multipurpose amphibious operations that are jointly carried out by Indian Navy and Indian Army for ensuring maritime security of Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal, and Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea.

The ships are designed to transport by sea and beach at far away islands, to deploy army tanks and troops. The ship is 63 metres long, 11 metres wide and displaces around 830 Tons.

With a maximum speed of 15 knots and an endurance of more than 1500 nautical miles, the ship is driven by twin-propeller fixed-pitch propulsion system powered by two marine diesel engines each developing 1840 KWs.

The ship can accommodate 216 personnel including 160 army troops. The bow ramp on the ship enables loading and unloading of combat equipment and vehicles on beaching. Ballast arrangement further ensures desired trim for smooth beaching operations.

Two 30mm CRN-91 mounted guns will provide artillery fire support during landing operations. 

The launching marks completion of main hull of the ship, which will now be fitted out with essential equipment and systems before sea-trials and commissioning, which is expected by the year end.