Vayu Interview with Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff, Indian Navy
“Poised for Quantum Growth”
Vayu :Congratulations on your taking over as the 24thCNS, and the fourth Naval Aviator to do so. With your flying background and vast operational experience, would you kindly enumerate on priorities for the Navy’s expansion and modernisation over the next few years, including its air arm.
CNS : Thank you. The Indian Navy’sAir Arm is poised for a quantum growth over the next few years.
There is a comprehensive plan to augment the number and enhance the capability of ship-borne helicopters through midlife upgrades and role enhancement on the existing fleet of Kamov 28 and Sea King 42B. Procurement of eightChetak and sixteen ALH helicopters to enhance Coastal Security has commenced. Further, we also have plans to procure additional multirole helicopters to meet ship-borne helicopter requirements.
To meet Deck Based Fighter requirements, a RFI for MRCBF (Multi Role Carrier Borne Fighter) has been hosted on the MoD website. The case is being progressed in accordance with DPP-16. Further,a case for MiG-29K midlife upgrade is being progressed.Delivery of four additional P-8Is will commence from April 2020 onwards. The Government has also accorded AON for 6 additional P-8Is.
We have added four new Dornier 228 aircraft ex HAL, four are scheduled to be inducted by end of this year. We have also commissioned new Dornier Air Squadrons at Meenambakkam(Chennai) and Porbandar(Gujarat). At the same time, we are progressively upgrading our air infrastructure at Naval air bases across the country, as well as on the island territories.
In addition to Dornier aircraft, we are extensively utilisingRPAs for coastal surveillance. Three RPA Squadrons have been commissioned at Kochi, Porbandar and Ramnad. Procurement of HALE RPAS as a joint tri-Service case is also on the cards.
Vayu :At a recent FICCI Seminar, you were careful in reacting to the PLA Navy’s White Paper on its expansion,with India “watching this carefully and responding within our budget and constraints”. Could you kindly elaborate in broad terms on how this will impact ontheIndian Navy’s own long term planning.
CNS :We are closely watching developments in relation to China in the region. The commissioning of the Chinese Military Base at Djibouti in 2017 has augmented their sustenance capability in the Indian Ocean. In 2018, an average of seven PLA(Navy) ships and submarines were deployed in the Indian Ocean Region every month. Chinese investments in various projects across IOR are also known.
The Indian Navy is aware of the security implications of the enhanced presence of Chinese ships and submarines in the Indian Ocean Region and maintains a constant and close watch on such developments. We are assessing our concept of operations and acquisition plans to meet the challenges. The operational outcomes of developing strategic imperatives in the IOR are factored in our planning to ensure that the Indian Navy remains poised to meet all maritime contingencies.
Vayu :You have stressed on the Indian Navy’s shipbuilding initiatives and its linkage to nation building. Of the 51 ships and submarines currently on order, 49 are being constructed indigenously. However, what are your views on future ‘strategic partnerships’ and the present arrangement where state-owned shipyards receive more favourable consideration?
CNS :The Indian Navy has always encouraged mutually beneficial partnerships with industry. There has also been a constant endeavor to encourage indigenisation and self-reliance. Wherever feasible we have opted for indigenous defence products, provided they meet the SQRs.
The Strategic Partnership (SP) model has been promulgated by the Government to progressively build indigenous capabilities in the private sector to design, develop and manufacture complex platforms for the future needs of the Armed Forces. This is an important step towards meeting broader national objectives, encouraging self-reliance and aligning the defence sector with the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government. The cases being progressed by the Indian Navy under SP Model, include six Project 75(I) submarine, and the Naval Utility Helicopter projects.
However, the experience and challenges faced in Survey Vessels, Cadet Training Ship (CTS) and Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV) projects awarded to private shipyards in the past have not been very encouraging. Therefore, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has recently revised norms for capacity and financial assessment of shipyards while facilitating enhanced competitiveness in Naval warship building.
As on date, there are 10 AoN accorded and shipbuilding casesat various stages. Of these,most are being progressed on competitive basis involving private shipyards. Further, no shipbuilding case has been accorded AoN on Nomination basis since March 2015.
Vayu :On the indigenous aircraft carrier II (IAC-II), it is understood that this will be of the 65,000 tonnes class, with electric propulsion and EMALS for conventional launch and recovery of aircraft. What is the forecast for its ‘go ahead’, even as IAC-I is expected to be delivered in early 2021.
CNS :Indian Navy envisages IAC-2 to be a, 65,000 tonnes carrier with Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) employing Catapult Assisted Take-off But Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR) concept of flying operations. At present, the case for IAC-2 is being deliberated at MoD.
Vayu :Recently confirmed is an order for 24 MH-60R multi-mission helicopters but the requirement is for multiple times this number. Are there any plans for this or any other Type to be licence-built in India?
CNS :Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 24 Multirole Helicopters was accorded by DAC and Letter of Acceptance (LoA) is likely to be signed in the near future. In addition, Indian Navy also plans to procure Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH) through the Strategic Partnership Model to boost Make in India. The NUH are likely to be inducted in a phased manner commencing 2025. The most significant aspect of the Strategic Partnership is that it will facilitate absorption of niche technologies by private industries in helicopter manufacturing segment.
Vayu :The Japanese ShinMaywaUS2i amphibian aircraft has been offered to the Indian Navy for some years and the Japanese Government is reportedly keen to progress this case. What is the status of this programme and do such amphibian aircraft play a role in the Indian Navy’s blue water projections?
CNS :The induction of amphibious aircraft would significantly enhance Indian Navy’s capabilities in terms of Operational Logistics (provision of technical assistance and supply of spares to the fleet at sea), long range Search and Rescue (SAR), Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC), and HADR missions. The proposal for the procurement of six amphibious aircraft from Government of Japan is under deliberation.
“Poised for Quantum Growth”
Vayu :Congratulations on your taking over as the 24thCNS, and the fourth Naval Aviator to do so. With your flying background and vast operational experience, would you kindly enumerate on priorities for the Navy’s expansion and modernisation over the next few years, including its air arm.
CNS : Thank you. The Indian Navy’sAir Arm is poised for a quantum growth over the next few years.
There is a comprehensive plan to augment the number and enhance the capability of ship-borne helicopters through midlife upgrades and role enhancement on the existing fleet of Kamov 28 and Sea King 42B. Procurement of eightChetak and sixteen ALH helicopters to enhance Coastal Security has commenced. Further, we also have plans to procure additional multirole helicopters to meet ship-borne helicopter requirements.
To meet Deck Based Fighter requirements, a RFI for MRCBF (Multi Role Carrier Borne Fighter) has been hosted on the MoD website. The case is being progressed in accordance with DPP-16. Further,a case for MiG-29K midlife upgrade is being progressed.Delivery of four additional P-8Is will commence from April 2020 onwards. The Government has also accorded AON for 6 additional P-8Is.
We have added four new Dornier 228 aircraft ex HAL, four are scheduled to be inducted by end of this year. We have also commissioned new Dornier Air Squadrons at Meenambakkam(Chennai) and Porbandar(Gujarat). At the same time, we are progressively upgrading our air infrastructure at Naval air bases across the country, as well as on the island territories.
In addition to Dornier aircraft, we are extensively utilisingRPAs for coastal surveillance. Three RPA Squadrons have been commissioned at Kochi, Porbandar and Ramnad. Procurement of HALE RPAS as a joint tri-Service case is also on the cards.
Vayu :At a recent FICCI Seminar, you were careful in reacting to the PLA Navy’s White Paper on its expansion,with India “watching this carefully and responding within our budget and constraints”. Could you kindly elaborate in broad terms on how this will impact ontheIndian Navy’s own long term planning.
CNS :We are closely watching developments in relation to China in the region. The commissioning of the Chinese Military Base at Djibouti in 2017 has augmented their sustenance capability in the Indian Ocean. In 2018, an average of seven PLA(Navy) ships and submarines were deployed in the Indian Ocean Region every month. Chinese investments in various projects across IOR are also known.
The Indian Navy is aware of the security implications of the enhanced presence of Chinese ships and submarines in the Indian Ocean Region and maintains a constant and close watch on such developments. We are assessing our concept of operations and acquisition plans to meet the challenges. The operational outcomes of developing strategic imperatives in the IOR are factored in our planning to ensure that the Indian Navy remains poised to meet all maritime contingencies.
Vayu :You have stressed on the Indian Navy’s shipbuilding initiatives and its linkage to nation building. Of the 51 ships and submarines currently on order, 49 are being constructed indigenously. However, what are your views on future ‘strategic partnerships’ and the present arrangement where state-owned shipyards receive more favourable consideration?
CNS :The Indian Navy has always encouraged mutually beneficial partnerships with industry. There has also been a constant endeavor to encourage indigenisation and self-reliance. Wherever feasible we have opted for indigenous defence products, provided they meet the SQRs.
The Strategic Partnership (SP) model has been promulgated by the Government to progressively build indigenous capabilities in the private sector to design, develop and manufacture complex platforms for the future needs of the Armed Forces. This is an important step towards meeting broader national objectives, encouraging self-reliance and aligning the defence sector with the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government. The cases being progressed by the Indian Navy under SP Model, include six Project 75(I) submarine, and the Naval Utility Helicopter projects.
However, the experience and challenges faced in Survey Vessels, Cadet Training Ship (CTS) and Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV) projects awarded to private shipyards in the past have not been very encouraging. Therefore, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has recently revised norms for capacity and financial assessment of shipyards while facilitating enhanced competitiveness in Naval warship building.
As on date, there are 10 AoN accorded and shipbuilding casesat various stages. Of these,most are being progressed on competitive basis involving private shipyards. Further, no shipbuilding case has been accorded AoN on Nomination basis since March 2015.
Vayu :On the indigenous aircraft carrier II (IAC-II), it is understood that this will be of the 65,000 tonnes class, with electric propulsion and EMALS for conventional launch and recovery of aircraft. What is the forecast for its ‘go ahead’, even as IAC-I is expected to be delivered in early 2021.
CNS :Indian Navy envisages IAC-2 to be a, 65,000 tonnes carrier with Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) employing Catapult Assisted Take-off But Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR) concept of flying operations. At present, the case for IAC-2 is being deliberated at MoD.
Vayu :Recently confirmed is an order for 24 MH-60R multi-mission helicopters but the requirement is for multiple times this number. Are there any plans for this or any other Type to be licence-built in India?
CNS :Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 24 Multirole Helicopters was accorded by DAC and Letter of Acceptance (LoA) is likely to be signed in the near future. In addition, Indian Navy also plans to procure Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH) through the Strategic Partnership Model to boost Make in India. The NUH are likely to be inducted in a phased manner commencing 2025. The most significant aspect of the Strategic Partnership is that it will facilitate absorption of niche technologies by private industries in helicopter manufacturing segment.
Vayu :The Japanese ShinMaywaUS2i amphibian aircraft has been offered to the Indian Navy for some years and the Japanese Government is reportedly keen to progress this case. What is the status of this programme and do such amphibian aircraft play a role in the Indian Navy’s blue water projections?
CNS :The induction of amphibious aircraft would significantly enhance Indian Navy’s capabilities in terms of Operational Logistics (provision of technical assistance and supply of spares to the fleet at sea), long range Search and Rescue (SAR), Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC), and HADR missions. The proposal for the procurement of six amphibious aircraft from Government of Japan is under deliberation.
INSTrikand providing escort for MV Annika, a @UN affiliated merchant ship transporting #ReliefMaterial from #Berbera #Somaliland to #Mombasa #Kenya through piracy prone waters, under the #WorldFoodProgramme.
exactEarth to Provide India’s Navy with Satellite AIS
CAMBRIDGE, ON, Dec 21, 2016 - exactEarth Ltd. (TSX: XCT), announces that it has signed a contract with Antrix Corporation Ltd., the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organization, to provide Satellite-AIS data services to the Indian Navy. The three-year subscription revenue contract is valued at USD $1.75 million in total.
With more than 7,500 km of coastline and significant off-shore resources, keeping track of maritime activity is paramount to maintaining India’s security and economic activity. exactEarth’s Satellite AIS technology will help our client to identify, detect and track vessels of interest and to secure the country’s maritime borders.
“We are very pleased to have won this competitive bid, which has resulted in our first data services agreement for this client,” said Peter Mabson, CEO of exactEarth. “During the course of the agreement, we believe there will be an opportunity to expand our relationship with Antrix Corporation, especially as our second generation constellation comes on-line, and with it the potential for real-time updates.”
CAMBRIDGE, ON, Dec 21, 2016 - exactEarth Ltd. (TSX: XCT), announces that it has signed a contract with Antrix Corporation Ltd., the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organization, to provide Satellite-AIS data services to the Indian Navy. The three-year subscription revenue contract is valued at USD $1.75 million in total.
With more than 7,500 km of coastline and significant off-shore resources, keeping track of maritime activity is paramount to maintaining India’s security and economic activity. exactEarth’s Satellite AIS technology will help our client to identify, detect and track vessels of interest and to secure the country’s maritime borders.
“We are very pleased to have won this competitive bid, which has resulted in our first data services agreement for this client,” said Peter Mabson, CEO of exactEarth. “During the course of the agreement, we believe there will be an opportunity to expand our relationship with Antrix Corporation, especially as our second generation constellation comes on-line, and with it the potential for real-time updates.”
The largest ever anti-hijack exercise in Kerala - "Apharan" conducted by Southern Naval Command off Kochi on 18th December 2019 involving the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guards, Cochin Port authorities and all other state govt agencies to assess vulnerabilities and formulate crisis management plan.
Exercise "Apharan" conducted under aegis of CinC Coastal Defence, Vice Adm AK Chawla aimed at streamlining response mechanism against hijacking attempt on a merchant vessel and had 12 ships and helos of Indian Navy & Indian Coast Guards participating in the exercise.
Exercise "Apharan" conducted under aegis of CinC Coastal Defence, Vice Adm AK Chawla aimed at streamlining response mechanism against hijacking attempt on a merchant vessel and had 12 ships and helos of Indian Navy & Indian Coast Guards participating in the exercise.
Navy upgrading airfields with 24x7 surveillance and real-time alerting
By Shaurya Karanbir Gurung
NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy is working towards upgrading the security infrastructure of its naval airfields by planning to install systems providing continuous surveillance, real time alerting and immediate response to a threat.
The matter came to light in a report of the Standing Committee on Defence which was presented to the Lok Sabha Speaker on Friday. The Navy is progressing a comprehensive case for upgrading the security infrastructure of its airfields. Six naval air stations are being addressed at a projected cost of Rs 500 crore.
“This project will leverage technology to provide seamless 24x7 surveillance, physical barriers, real time incident alerting and swift response through a robust and secure command and control system,” the Committee noted.
The project has been taken up with the defence ministry to progress it under the revenue to capital route. The Committee has recommended that the upgradation of naval airfields is critical from surveillance and intelligence point of view, and the necessary action should be taken towards this.
However, the move comes in the backdrop of the percentage share of the naval budget to the total defence budget witnessing a downfall in the current decade. In 2012-13, the share was 18.12 per cent and in 2014-15 it was 16.51 per cent, which plummeted to 14.47 per cent in 2018-19. The reduction is prominent in the capital segment, which declined from 10.41 percent in 2014-15 to 7.46 per cent in 2018-19. In the current financial year, it has been reduced to 13.66 per cent. The Committee added that the Navy’s share of the defence budget has seen a steady decline from 18 per cent in the 2012-13 to 13 per cent in the current financial year. It stated that there is a need to enhance the Navy’s share of the budget, in view of its increasing operational commitments.
“Keeping in view the declining trend of Navy’s budget over the years and growth of responsibilities, the Committee strongly desire that the Navy’s budget share should be enhanced to 18 per cent of the overall defence budget,” it said.
The Navy needs more money both for induction of new warships and other assets, pay up committed liabilities and also for the revenue segment.
Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh earlier this month had stated that the force has projected its requirement to the government, while it remains committed to progress force modernisation, using the available resources optimally. In the face of shortages, it is emphasising on prioritisation, rationalisation and economy of expenditure. It has also had to rework its plan to have 200 warships by 2027.
The army and air force are also reeling under budgetary constraints. Such as the shortfall in the budget for the air force is being felt in aircraft maintenance, serviceability and modernisation.
Navy upgrading airfields with 24x7 surveillance and real-time alerting
By Shaurya Karanbir Gurung
NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy is working towards upgrading the security infrastructure of its naval airfields by planning to install systems providing continuous surveillance, real time alerting and immediate response to a threat.
The matter came to light in a report of the Standing Committee on Defence which was presented to the Lok Sabha Speaker on Friday. The Navy is progressing a comprehensive case for upgrading the security infrastructure of its airfields. Six naval air stations are being addressed at a projected cost of Rs 500 crore.
“This project will leverage technology to provide seamless 24x7 surveillance, physical barriers, real time incident alerting and swift response through a robust and secure command and control system,” the Committee noted.
The project has been taken up with the defence ministry to progress it under the revenue to capital route. The Committee has recommended that the upgradation of naval airfields is critical from surveillance and intelligence point of view, and the necessary action should be taken towards this.
However, the move comes in the backdrop of the percentage share of the naval budget to the total defence budget witnessing a downfall in the current decade. In 2012-13, the share was 18.12 per cent and in 2014-15 it was 16.51 per cent, which plummeted to 14.47 per cent in 2018-19. The reduction is prominent in the capital segment, which declined from 10.41 percent in 2014-15 to 7.46 per cent in 2018-19. In the current financial year, it has been reduced to 13.66 per cent. The Committee added that the Navy’s share of the defence budget has seen a steady decline from 18 per cent in the 2012-13 to 13 per cent in the current financial year. It stated that there is a need to enhance the Navy’s share of the budget, in view of its increasing operational commitments.
“Keeping in view the declining trend of Navy’s budget over the years and growth of responsibilities, the Committee strongly desire that the Navy’s budget share should be enhanced to 18 per cent of the overall defence budget,” it said.
The Navy needs more money both for induction of new warships and other assets, pay up committed liabilities and also for the revenue segment.
Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh earlier this month had stated that the force has projected its requirement to the government, while it remains committed to progress force modernisation, using the available resources optimally. In the face of shortages, it is emphasising on prioritisation, rationalisation and economy of expenditure. It has also had to rework its plan to have 200 warships by 2027.
The army and air force are also reeling under budgetary constraints. Such as the shortfall in the budget for the air force is being felt in aircraft maintenance, serviceability and modernisation.
Navy upgrading airfields with 24x7 surveillance and real-time alerting
24 attack submarines will be a minimum we would require, it would be idiotic to quash it further. What should instead be done is that instead of having 6 P75, 6 P75I , 6 P76 and 6 SSN , we would save money and time by having 12 P75 and 12 SSNs.
P75I should be dropped. Plans for Indian SSK should be delayed , and taken up only if need arises to replace the P75 submarines in future.
12 SSK (6 each at Vizag and Mumbai) , 12 SSNs (6 each at Karwar and Varsha ) and 4-6 SSBNs. These would be the minimum requirements at any given time.
Further Pakistan will soon start getting 8 Export versions of Type 041 subs, Bangladesh and Myanmar both are now having submarines too and China almost always now has submarines around our seas.
I don't get it, Project 75I is an $8.5 bn deal to build 6 conventional subs. That equates to $1.4 bn per sub. This is SSBN/SSN money. One can build 6 SSN for that price.
Project 75 was $3 bn deal to build 6 Scorpenes, that means each Scorpene costs $500 million.
One can build 15 Scorpene subs for $8.5 bn.
Are we looking at building Shortfin Barracuda or Type 218 subs because they cost around $1.3-1.4 billion and $1 billion respectively.
Other than these 2 subs, the Type 214, Scorpene, Kilo 636.3, Lada class, S-1000 class cost around $500 million a pop.
The level of indicisiveness is astounding, the deal must be signed this year as it would be very difficult to maintain the rapidly declining sub fleet once the Type 209 and Kilo class subs start retiring.
The submarine itself built from existing infrastructure and existing trained manpower is not that costly. The most costly ones are Soryu and future Australian subs. And they are that costly because both the nations want SSN capacity but do not want nuke powered ships. Range , endurance, sensors and weapons of a SSN but not nuke powered. We do not have that compulsion. We can have simple SSKs for regular tasks and offensive missions near Pak coastline and have SSNs to protect SSBN patrols, or to be a part of CBG or be sent on long patrols to Southern IOR.
Coming to cost again. P75I is so costly because it indents to create another full fledged production line for submarines, another set of skilled workforce, another set of tooling imports and a 2nd type of SSK. That's what makes it so costly.
P75I is old now. When it was initially planned , Indian Navy planned for its induction starting 2014-15 actually. And Indian Navy knew that at that time, it's not possible to have a SSN fleet. So it wanted some of SSN qualities added to P75I. That's where French started offering Ocean concept and not simply Scorpene with improvements in sensors and weapons , Germans a Type 216 derivative and not simply Type 214 , and Russians a export version of Lada and not simply an improved Kilo version .
But now that P75I and SSN will be coming almost at the same time, it's better to simply cancel P75I.
We can simply sign for another 6 Scorpenes. This is beneficial because we have invested a lot in MDL. After a lot of struggle today MDL can actually work on 2 submarines simultaneously. But the irony is that it doesn't have any orders. The workforce will be lost again and all those pain in getting the P75 will be in vain.
We should simply order F21 torpedo, Tube launched SCALP land attack cruise missiles , French AIP and buy the rights to build and export licensed copies of the same atleast in Asia and Africa.
This will deliver results much quicker. If ordered today, MDL will be able to actually deliver 2 Subs together within 48 months . That's damm impressive. And it will keep the production line running for another 6 years minimum, after which the MDL can busy itself in the refit of first 6 subs with AIP. That way the talent will be preserved.
We should understand that even UK and France cannot have 2 different submarine production facilities. We already have two. And now we are thinking of adding 3rd?
We are no China. We simply cannot order enough submarines to keep all the 3 lines running.
Yes. MDL now has ample experience is making Scorpene subs, this should not go down the drain.
Instead of just 6 we should order 12 additional Scorpene subs which will give us a fleet of 18 Scorpene SSK. Going for any other sub would only add to logistics problem faced because of operating multiple classes of subs. As the project clause mentions foreign AIP, question of going for DRDO AIP does not arise.
French F21 torpedoes can act as interim measure until DRDO Takshak comes online.
Scalp is a great alternative to Exocet due to its higher range.
Indian Navy with IOCL launches special fuel with reduced carbon footprints
With the advent of technology and refining techniques in the petroleum industry better quality of fuel abiding to more stringent specifications has become a necessity.
By MAYANK SINGH
Express News Service
Published: 13th January 2020 10:00 PM
Indian Navy Warships/ Representative Image
NEW DELHI: Indian Navy has succeeded in bringing down its carbon footprint by revising the fuel quality standards. The improvement is the result of a successful study which Navy conducted with the Indian Oil Corporation Limited. The standards achieved, as claimed by Navy, are better than those under the international regulations thus helping in supporting country’s international logistics agreements as well.
Talking of the outcome of the study Indian Navy in its press release said, “As an outcome, a revised technical specification was arrived at consisting of 22 test parameters including critical parameters cetane number, flash point, sulphur content, sediment content, oxidation stability and Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP).”
The new specification will not only ensure a better quality fuel but also result in a reduced carbon footprint, added Navy.
The success was achieved by “Leveraging technology and improved refining techniques available with the country’s petroleum industry, the Indian Navy in collaboration with M/s IOCL carried out an extensive and thorough study and a comparative evaluation of existing international regulations (ISO, MARPOL, NATO etc).” said Navy.
The Navies worldwide are fuel-intensive operating warships, submarines and aircraft. The Indian Navy’s present force level comprises about 140 ships and submarines and more than 200 aircraft safeguarding a large coastline of 7516 Kms with 1197 offshore islands and 2.01 million sq kms of Exclusive Economic Zone.
With the advent of technology and refining techniques in the petroleum industry better quality of fuel abiding to more stringent specifications has become a necessity.
All this took time and started with limited supply. “IOCL, post upgradation of the refinery units, initiated limited supply of the product to Indian Navy platforms following which rigorous machinery performance checks and acceptance trials were carried out.”
Distinct improvements in fuel quality were observed. Given the positive results, the new fuel was therefore decided for pan Navy implementation. On 13 January 2020, the launch of the new fuel (High Flash High-Speed Diesel) HFHSD – IN 512, with revised technical specifications was undertaken, informed Navy. The customized fuel will be supplied by Haldia and Paradip refineries of the IOCL.
The upgraded fuel quality will help at the international level. The Navy said, “With this, the country will be able to ensure interoperability amongst foreign navies during fleet exercises and provide fuel of quality better than that mandated to all foreign navies under bilateral/ multi-national logistics support pacts including LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement).”
The joint study will accrue more benefits as this effort would also benefit other IOCL consumers in the country like Indian Coast Guard and other merchant marines in the coming years. The achievement would also mark a new high with quality fuel available to all foreign Navy ships at Indian ports during exercises with the Indian Navy.
This revolutionary initiative would go a long way in enhancing equipment reliability, performance, reduced carbon footprint, emissions and more importantly would be key enabler in the Navy’s ‘Mission Based Deployment’ on a global scale, said the Navy.
Indian Navy with IOCL launches special fuel with reduced carbon footprints
Press release :
With the advent of technology and refining techniques in the petroleum industry better quality of fuel abiding to more stringent specifications has become a necessity.
By MAYANK SINGH
Express News Service
Published: 13th January 2020 10:00 PM
Indian Navy Warships/ Representative Image
NEW DELHI: Indian Navy has succeeded in bringing down its carbon footprint by revising the fuel quality standards. The improvement is the result of a successful study which Navy conducted with the Indian Oil Corporation Limited. The standards achieved, as claimed by Navy, are better than those under the international regulations thus helping in supporting country’s international logistics agreements as well.
Talking of the outcome of the study Indian Navy in its press release said, “As an outcome, a revised technical specification was arrived at consisting of 22 test parameters including critical parameters cetane number, flash point, sulphur content, sediment content, oxidation stability and Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP).”
The new specification will not only ensure a better quality fuel but also result in a reduced carbon footprint, added Navy.
The success was achieved by “Leveraging technology and improved refining techniques available with the country’s petroleum industry, the Indian Navy in collaboration with M/s IOCL carried out an extensive and thorough study and a comparative evaluation of existing international regulations (ISO, MARPOL, NATO etc).” said Navy.
The Navies worldwide are fuel-intensive operating warships, submarines and aircraft. The Indian Navy’s present force level comprises about 140 ships and submarines and more than 200 aircraft safeguarding a large coastline of 7516 Kms with 1197 offshore islands and 2.01 million sq kms of Exclusive Economic Zone.
With the advent of technology and refining techniques in the petroleum industry better quality of fuel abiding to more stringent specifications has become a necessity.
All this took time and started with limited supply. “IOCL, post upgradation of the refinery units, initiated limited supply of the product to Indian Navy platforms following which rigorous machinery performance checks and acceptance trials were carried out.”
Distinct improvements in fuel quality were observed. Given the positive results, the new fuel was therefore decided for pan Navy implementation. On 13 January 2020, the launch of the new fuel (High Flash High-Speed Diesel) HFHSD – IN 512, with revised technical specifications was undertaken, informed Navy. The customized fuel will be supplied by Haldia and Paradip refineries of the IOCL.
The upgraded fuel quality will help at the international level. The Navy said, “With this, the country will be able to ensure interoperability amongst foreign navies during fleet exercises and provide fuel of quality better than that mandated to all foreign navies under bilateral/ multi-national logistics support pacts including LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement).”
The joint study will accrue more benefits as this effort would also benefit other IOCL consumers in the country like Indian Coast Guard and other merchant marines in the coming years. The achievement would also mark a new high with quality fuel available to all foreign Navy ships at Indian ports during exercises with the Indian Navy.
This revolutionary initiative would go a long way in enhancing equipment reliability, performance, reduced carbon footprint, emissions and more importantly would be key enabler in the Navy’s ‘Mission Based Deployment’ on a global scale, said the Navy.
Indian Navy with IOCL launches special fuel with reduced carbon footprints
Press release :
Last edited: