For the procurement of cutting-edge HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems for the Indian Navy’s Fleet Support Ship (FSS) project, Maharashtra-based Shree Refrigerations Limited (SRL) has been granted a major turnkey contract for ₹106.62 crore by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL).
In line with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision to indigenise advanced solutions and capabilities for national projects, this award represents a significant turning point in India’s continuous efforts towards self-reliance in defence technologies.
In order to maintain ideal environmental conditions aboard the five new Fleet Support Ships that HSL is presently building for the Indian Navy, the contract includes the full design, development, and installation of HVAC and refrigeration systems.
By transporting food, gasoline, ammunition, and other supplies to the fleet at sea, these ships perform an essential support role that increases the operational reach, durability, and sustainability of naval assets throughout extended operations.
The Fleet Support Ships, each weighing over 40,000 tons and designed for blue-water operations, will not only bolster the Navy’s ability to project power and conduct extended operations but will also be equipped for humanitarian aid and disaster relief roles, demonstrating versatility beyond combat logistics.
In order to meet the intricate needs of huge naval vessels, SRL’s scope for this project involves offering a complete turnkey solution that integrates HVAC and refrigeration plants, unique marine HVAC equipment, and cutting-edge magnetic bearing chillers.
In addition to previous contracts for refrigeration plants (₹30.72 crore) and magnetic bearing chillers (₹68.61 crore) for the same vessel class, this contract is the biggest of SRL’s recent defence mandates. When taken as a whole, these contracts increase SRL’s defence order book to well over ₹300 crore, indicating a sharp increase in the company’s involvement in national infrastructure and naval projects.
In order to strengthen domestic expertise and industrial capabilities in crucial areas of marine engineering and shipboard environmental control, the HVAC systems that will be delivered will be developed, manufactured, and commissioned wholly in India.
SRL, which has its headquarters in Karad, Maharashtra, has a long history of providing specialised HVAC solutions to a range of industries, including the automotive, chemical processing, pharmaceutical, and defence sectors.
The company’s selection for the FSS project was largely based on its proficiency in maritime HVAC and its capacity to provide mission-critical, bespoke solutions. This contract supports the timely delivery of technologically sophisticated, domestically constructed warships and demonstrates HSL’s dedication to utilising local industry and promoting public-private partnerships in shipbuilding.
India’s technical prowess, the value of indigenisation in defence procurement, and the expanding role of private industry in providing sophisticated solutions for national security are all highlighted by the awarding of this 106 crore contract to SRL for the Indian Navy’s Fleet Support Ships project.
It is anticipated that the project will significantly increase domestic shipbuilding and defence capabilities, guaranteeing the Indian Navy’s continued access to top-notch, domestically produced HVAC and refrigeration systems.
