LAUNCH OF THIRD MCA BARGE, LSAM 9 (YARD 77)

Third Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA) Barge, Yard 77 (LSAM 9) was launched by Cmde G Ravi, Warship Production Superintendent (Visakhapatnam) on 22 Sep 23 at Guttenadeevi, East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh (launch site of M/s SECON). With all major and auxiliary equipment/systems sourced from indigenous manufacturers, this Barge is proud flag bearer of "Make in India" initiatives of Ministry of Defence.

Contract for construction and delivery of 08 x Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA) Barge was concluded with M/s SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd, Visakhapatnam, a MSME, in consonance with "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiatives of the Government of India. The MSME shipyard has already delivered first MCA Barge on 18 Jul 23 and has launched Second Barge on 18 Aug 23. This Barge is being built under the classification rules of Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) with a service life of 30 years. The availability of MCA Barges will provide impetus to Operational commitments of IN by facilitating Transportation, Embarkation and Disembarkation of articles / ammunition to IN Ships both alongside jetties and at outer harbours.

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VM/JSN