New water barge Pamba inducted

A 930-tonne water barge, Pamba, was inducted to the flotilla of auxiliary craft of the Indian Navy by Commodore S Nedunchezian, Chief Staff Officer (Technical), Southern Naval Command, here today.  

The 50m-long vessel, when fully loaded, can carry 500 tonnes of water and is manned by a crew of 17. The self-propelled barge is fitted with two engines, with a combined propulsive power of 1,800 BHP and is capable of speeds up to 12 knots.

Pamba is named after the previous auxiliary which served the Indian Navy for nearly 40 years and was de-inducted in April 2007. The barge with sea going capabilities is capable of serving Navy’s Warships at anchorage outside the harbour and elsewhere to ensure quick operational turnaround.

The barge has all the essential and latest communication and navigation equipment and also carries a rigid inflatable boat (RIB). Pamba has accommodation for 20 crew including galley (kitchen) facility, fixed fire-fighting arrangements for machinery compartments, and tank gauging systems.

The vessel complies with the standards of Indian Register of Shipping and International Maritime Organisation for vessels of similar class.