Navy inducts new sea-going barge 'Ambuda'

The flotilla of auxiliary craft at Southern Naval Command was augmented with the induction of the 930-tonne Ambuda to the naval ship repair yard here today. The induction ceremony was conducted by Commodore Ajay Kumar Sinha, chief staff officer (technical), Southern Naval Command.

The vessel, operated by a crew of 19, is 50 meters long and is fitted with two engines. The seagoing barge capable of speeds up to 12 knots is named after the previous auxiliary which served the Indian Navy for over 40 years and was de-inducted in February 2007.

Ambuda has a capacity of 500 tonnes fresh water and is capable of serving the Navy’s warships at anchorage outside the harbour and elsewhere to ensure quick operational turnaround. She has all the essential and latest communication and navigation equipment and also carries a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB).

The vessel complies with the standards of Indian Register of Shipping and International Maritime Organisation for vessels of similar class, a Navy press release said. Ambuda is the third vessel of a series built by Vipul Shipyard in Surat for the Indian Navy.