The Ministry of Defence has accorded Approval of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of two Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPV) in January 2023, and has now issued a tender in this regard seeking details for the same.
The RFP would be issued shortly {under buy (Indian – IDDM) with minimum 50% Indigenous Content (IC).
These ships would be capable of towing large ships, launch targets (sub-surface, surface & air) for exercises. These ships could be deployed for operating autonomous/ remotely operated / unmanned vessels.
Further, these ships should be designed to have a service life of not less than 30 years.
The main Operational / Technical Specifications for Multi-Purpose Vessel (Additional 02 X MPV) as indicated in the tender are as under:
- Aim of Note – To indicate the specifications of Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPV), to meet the Indian Navy’s requirements.
- Functions of MPV – These ships would be capable of towing large ships, launch targets (sub-surface, surface & air) for exercises. These ships could be deployed for operating autonomous/ remotely operated / unmanned vessels.
- Dimensions –
- Length – 110 m + 5 %.
- Beam – Commensurate with ship design.
- Displacement – 3500 + 15% Ton
- Speed –
(a) Maximum sustained speed not less than 15 Kn at 85% Maximum Continuous Rating (MCR) of the engines, with the ship fully laden in Sea State 3.
(b) Economical speed of > 10 Kn.
(c) The MPV is envisaged to have the capability of continuously towing a ship of approx 8000 tons at 08 Kn without any restrictions
- Propulsion – The ship is to have twin shaft with CPP as follows: –
(a) Single diesel engine per shaft through suitable reduction gear box in twin shaft configuration with CPP and bow and stern thrusters (to cater for DP Class 2 requirements). The arrangement should meet following requirements without overloading/under loading the engines: –
(i) Normal and high-speed operation (high speed: >15 Kn at 85% MCR).
(ii) Dynamic Positioning (DP) of the vessel as per Class 2 for conduct of Salvage and Unmanned Marine Systems (UMS) operations.
(b) Engine to cater for a factor that Ship will be employed for towing operations.
(c) The diesel engines should be pneumatically started and meet international norms on exhaust emission (MARPOL norms in vogue
- Complement – The ship would have a complement of 08 officers and 108 sailors. 06 officers and 24 sailors (additional crew for trials). Accommodation to be catered for Women Officers and Sailors.
- Weapons and Sensors (Buyer Nominated Equipment) – Self defence and LIMO armament to include the following: –
(a) Two 30 mm NSG guns with EOFCS.
(b) Two 12.7 mm SRCGs for Force Protection Measures.
