Indigenously designed and built , LCU Mk-IV ship has been commissioned today at Port Blair. Vice Chief of Indian Navy, Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar P was the Chief Guest on this occasion. Name as L55 , this is the fifth ship of Landing Craft Utility (LCU) Mk-IV class to be inducted into the Indian Navy. LCU Mk -IV is the improvised version of LCU Mk-III. First LCU ship was L 51.
LCU Mk-IV ship is an amphibious ship with its primary role being transportation and deployment of Main Battle Tanks, Armoured Vehicles, troops and equipment from ship to shore. These ships based at the Andaman and Nicobar Command, can be deployed for multirole activities like beaching operations, search and rescue, disaster relief operations, supply and replenishment and evacuation from distant islands.
According to a press release, this ship is commanded by Lt Cdr Abhishek Kumar and ship has a complement of 5 officers, 45 sailors and is capable of carrying 160 troops in addition. The ship, displacing 830 Tons, is capable of transporting various kinds of combat equipment such as the Main Battle Tank, T72 and other vehicles. The ship is fitted with state-of-the-art equipment and advanced systems like Integrated Bridge System (IBS) and Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).
The ship has been designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) of Kolkata.
According to Defence Ministry spokesperson, remaining three ships of the same class are in advanced stages of construction and are scheduled to be inducted over the next year and a half. The induction of these ships will contribute to the nation’s maritime security needs and is in consonance with the drive for ‘Make in India’.
