New Indian warship launched in Italy

Sestri Ponente (Italy), Oct 12 (IANS/AKI) A new warship built for the Indian Navy was launched at an Italian shipyard in a colourful ceremony amid recitation of Vedic hymns and breaking of a coconut.

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri launched the INS Shakti at the Sestri Ponente yard in Genoa Monday. Fincantieri had signed a 300 million euro contract in April 2008 to build two vessels.

The warship was launched by Homai Saha, the wife of India’s Ambassador to Italy Debabrata Saha. She also christened the ship by smashing a bottle of champagne against the ship’s bow.

The INS Shakti is expected to be commissioned within two years. Trials will start in December.

The INS Deepak, the first Indian navy warship designed and built in Italy, is at an advanced stage of trials. It will be delivered to the Indian Navy at the end of 2010.

Both the INS Shakti and the INS Deepak have been built with double hulls to provide greater safety in the event of oil spillage.

–IANS/AKI