Did Rear Admiral Vishal Bishnoi Lead the Launch of the Navy's New Torpedo Barge?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Launch of the 11th ACTCM Barge demonstrates India's self-sufficiency in defense.
- Collaboration with local shipyards emphasizes the importance of indigenous manufacturing.
- Composite materials are being adopted for warship construction to improve performance.
- Successful delivery of 10 out of 11 barges showcases operational readiness.
- The initiative supports government modernization efforts.
New Delhi, Sep 9 (NationPress) In a significant advancement for the government's 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives, Rear Admiral Vishal Bishnoi presided over the launch ceremony of the 11th Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge at Thane, as confirmed by an official on Tuesday.
This barge was indigenously designed and constructed by a shipyard in Thane, collaborating with an Indian Ship Design firm and the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
The launch event for the ACTCM Barge, Large Scale Additive Manufacturing (LSAM 25), Yard 135, took place on Monday at Suryadipta Projects, Thane, with Rear Admiral Bishnoi serving as the Chief Guest, according to the official statement.
The contract for the construction of 11 ACTCM units for the Indian Navy was finalized on March 5, 2021.
Model testing for the barge was conducted at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam, to verify its seaworthiness.
The shipyard has successfully delivered 10 out of the 11 barges thus far, which are currently being utilized effectively by the Indian Navy in various operational scenarios, the official noted.
In related news, warships being constructed for the Indian Navy at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) may soon feature doors and hatches made from composite materials.
On September 3, GRSE signed a Teaming Agreement with Merlinhawk Aerospace to design, develop, and manufacture composite doors and hatches for the warships. This agreement aims to create a collaborative framework that aligns with the Navy's modernization efforts.
Composite materials provide lightweight, durability, and resistance to moisture, salt, and corrosion, reducing the overall weight of the ship and enhancing its endurance. These materials are also immune to the corrosive effects of saltwater and high humidity found at sea, which minimizes maintenance and replacement costs.
Additionally, composite doors offer excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, promoting energy efficiency and a soundproof environment critical during operations. They can also be manufactured with integrated fire retardants to meet diverse safety standards.