Navy signs contract with Thane's Shoft Shipyard for four 500-tonne fuel barges
The Ministry of Defence concluded a contract with MSME yard Shoft Shipyard Private Limited, Thane, Maharashtra, on 2 March 2026 for four 500-tonne self-propelled fuel barges for the Indian Navy.
Summary
The Ministry of Defence concluded a contract with Shoft Shipyard Private Limited, Thane, Maharashtra, an MSME shipyard, on 2 March 2026 for the construction of four 500-tonne self-propelled fuel barges for the Indian Navy. The barges will refuel ships and submarines in harbour and at anchorage. They will be built under the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) as part of the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. The Navy said the contract continues its support for MSME shipyards and the domestic shipbuilding ecosystem in line with Maritime India Vision 2030.
Key facts
- Date
- 2 March 2026
- Shipyard
- Shoft Shipyard Pvt Ltd, Thane (MSME)
- Order
- 4 × 500-tonne self-propelled fuel barges
- Role
- Refuel ships and submarines in harbour and at anchorage
- Classification
- Indian Register of Shipping
- Policy link
- Maritime India Vision 2030
Practice MCQs 2 questions
With which shipyard did the Defence Ministry sign a contract on 2 March 2026 for four 500-tonne fuel barges for the Navy?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Shoft Shipyard Private Limited, Thane
The contract was concluded with Shoft Shipyard Private Limited, Thane, an MSME shipyard.
Under whose classification rules will the Navy's new self-propelled fuel barges be built?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Indian Register of Shipping
The barges will be built under the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).