In A First, US Navy Ship To Undergo Repair In India At L&T’s Kattupalli Shipyard

Marking an event that signifies the capabilities of Indian shipyards in the global ship repairing market, US Navy Ship (USNS) Charles Drew arrived at L&T’s Shipyard at Kattupalli, Chennai, on Sunday (7 August) for undertaking repairs and allied services..

The USNS Charles Drew will be at the Kattupalli shipyard for 11 days and undergo repairs in various areas.

The US Navy had awarded a contract to L&T’s Shipyard at Kattupalli for ship maintenance. This event is the first ever repair of a US Navy ship in India.

The Marine Sealift Command of the US Navy had undertaken a rigorous evaluation of select shipyards in India and cleared L&T for undertaking repairs on their vessels.

Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar, Vice Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral SN Ghormade, and Consul General in Chennai Ms Judith Ravin visited the shipyard to welcome the vessel.

“We are indeed pleased to welcome US Naval Ship USNS Charles Drew to India, for making her voyage ready. India’s initiative also assumes special significance in furthering the strategic partnership between India and the US. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for deeper engagements,” Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar said.

“Today, India has six major shipyards with turnover of nearly $ two billion. We are making ships not only for our own requirements. We have our own design house capable of making all kinds of state-of-the-art ships. The country’s first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier Vikrant is a shining example of the growth of the Indian shipbuilding industry,” he added.

“In April, at the US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of DefenseLloyd Austin affirmed their intention to explore utilising Indian shipyards for repairs on US Navy vessels. This inaugural repair of USNS Charles Drewis a landmark development to be celebrated as a symbol of our strengthened US-India partnership,” US Consul General in Chennai Ms Judith Ravin said.