The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced that a contract for construction of four 500 tonnes Self Propelled Fuel Barges has been concluded with Shoft Shipyard Private Limited, Thane (MSME Shipyard) on Friday, 2 March.
Shoft Shipyard Private Limited, an MSME shipyard based in Thane, will construct the barges under the Classification Rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
According to the Ministry of Defence, these barges are flag bearers of the Government of India’s “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives.
The project is intended to strengthen indigenous shipbuilding capability and promote the domestic maritime ecosystem.
“A contract for construction of 04 X 500T Self Propelled Fuel Barges has been concluded with M/s Shoft Shipyard Private Limited, Thane (MSME Shipyard) on 02 Mar 2026,” the MoD said.
“These Barges are the proud flag bearers of “Make in India” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives of the Govt of India and will be built under the Classification Rules of Indian Register of Shipping (IRS),” the ministry added.
The primary role of the 500-tonne self-propelled fuel barges will be replenishment of fuel to ships and submarines in harbour and at anchorage.
The acquisition is aimed at enhancing the Indian Navy’s logistical support capabilities.
” The primary role of these barges will be replenishment of fuel to ships and submarines in harbour and at anchorage. With this contract, Indian Navy continues to encourage and bolster the growth of MSME Shipyards thereby contributing immensely towards the domestic shipbuilding ecosystem in line with Maritime India Vision 2030,” the ministry said.
