Ship design and shipbuilding in India mainly is concerned with warships. India is one of the very few proud nations in the world that designs and builds warships for the Indian Navy section. The Navy`s in-house design organisation has gradually grown to a fully computerised unit possessing the necessary special techniques for stealth, hydrodynamic, ship motion, structural and dynamic predictions. Credit also is bestowed on the Ministry of Indian Defence, who motivated and encouraged the defence shipyards to take on the challenge of warship building. Indian Navy, indeed, provided the trained specialist officers to manage these shipyards. The indigenous organisations set up by the Ministry of Defence provided opportunities for home-grown development of equipment, which is fitted in warships. Thus the Indian industry of shipbuilding provided participation in the Defence Sector, i.e. in this specific case, of helping the Navy to gradually move from `buyer`s Navy to builders Navy`.
India produces warships which are cheaper than those manufactured anywhere else in the world. This is because of the relatively lower labour rates and due to prices of equipment purchased from former Soviet Union and Russia has been highly competitive and economical to the country. On an average the shipyard effort in a shipbuilding programme is about forty percent of the total cost.
India proudly is also among the very few nations in the world who could design and build submarines. India had constructed two submarines during 1980s, after which the programme was suspended. The capability to design and build submarines indigenously exists in the country and need to be made use of and nurtured.
Merchant Ship Design and Building
The Indian Merchant ship fleet consists of approximately 200 ships (overseas going). Taking into account 20 years life, the Navy division requires 10 ships every year for India`s own market. There are in addition 425 coastal ships, i.e. the country requires 20 such ships every year. There is a strong case for reviving merchant shipbuilding within the country. The internal market of producing ten seagoing ships per year and twenty coastal ships every year should provide the necessary incentive.
Warship Design and Building, Indian Navy: Warship design and building is a primary concern under Indian Navy, resting huge importance to train specialists. Warships occupy primary position under the shipping companies, making the Navy own several sophisticated class of ships necessary for combat at sea. Leaving aside impediments, warships are successfully built each year, looking towards a shining future.
Submarine Design and Building, Indian Navy: Submarine design and building under Indian Navy had long since been recognised, making the country gradually widen its prospects to turn a professional. Acquiring sufficient knowledge, India has since designed hi-tech and advanced submarines, in the Mumbai docks of MDL.
