Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) created yet another landmark in the history of Indian Shipbuilding Industry, by delivering all 4 x 1000T Fuel barges, ahead of contractual schedule. The 4th and last barge “FUEL BARGE-13”, was delivered on July 23, 2018, 5 months ahead of contractual schedule, in the presence of Cmde G. Shyamsundhar, CSO (Tech), Karnataka Naval Area. The barge was ceremoniously inducted into the Indian Navy by Rear Admiral K. J. Kumar, Flag Officer Commanding Karnataka Naval Area on July 24, 2018, at Karwar.

For a long time, Indian Navy was in shortage of self-propelled 1000T Fuel Barges for fuelling of large ships such as INS Vikramaditya. With induction of GSL constructed efficient and modern fuel barges, the Indian Navy has got a shot in the arm as critical operational requirement of fuelling large ships would now be met by these ocean going vessels. The contract for construction of 4x1000T Fuel barges was signed between GSL and Indian Navy on Jun 4, 2015. And within a short duration of three years all four fuel barges have been delivered by GSL, with the first being delivered on August 17, 2018, and last one on July 23, 2018. The vessels are built to best quality standards of IRS class.