Contract for Four 500 t Self Propelled Fuel Barges for Indian Navy

05 Mar 2026 CW Team

A contract for construction of four 500 tonne (t) self-propelled fuel barges for the Indian Navy was concluded with Shoft Shipyard Private Limited of Thane on two March 2026 under the auspices of the Ministry of Defence and the Press Information Bureau. The vessels will be built under the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and will support harbour and anchorage operations. The agreement marks a formal procurement step aimed at enhancing replenishment capabilities for naval units.

The primary role of the barges will be replenishment of fuel to ships and submarines in harbour and at anchorage, enabling efficient harbour support and operational readiness. As self-propelled fuel barges, they will provide mobility and flexibility for refuelling operations alongside stationary fuel delivery assets. The project is expected to augment logistic support without altering strategic operational profiles of fleet units.

The contract has been framed to promote domestic shipbuilding and to encourage Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) shipyards by awarding construction to an MSME yard, thereby strengthening the domestic industrial base. The initiative aligns with national manufacturing and self-reliance programmes and with Maritime India Vision 2030 which seeks to grow the domestic maritime sector. Classification and construction processes will adhere to established standards to ensure safety and interoperability with naval requirements.

Shoft Shipyard will undertake construction at its Thane facility and is expected to contribute to the domestic supply chain for naval auxiliary vessels. The four barges of 500 t capacity each will bolster harbour refuelling infrastructure and support the Indian Navy's efforts to rely more on indigenous shipyards. The Ministry of Defence has continued to emphasise support for domestic shipbuilding through such contracts.

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