Indian Register of Shipping Launches First Defence Export Project

The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) has achieved a significant milestone by launching its first defence export project – a floating dry dock being built for the Sri Lanka Navy at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).

The launch ceremony was held on 19 February 2026 at GSL with Rear Admiral MDK Wijewardana of the Sri Lanka Navy as the chief guest, alongside senior officials from IRS and the shipyard.

Key Highlights

• The floating dry dock is designed to enhance in-country ship repair and maintenance capabilities for the Sri Lanka Navy, supporting underwater repairs across a broad range of naval vessels and boosting operational readiness and self-reliance.
• IRS provided classification services and technical oversight in accordance with its standards, marking its first defence export project and the organisation’s expansion into international defence work.
• Commander KK Dhawan, Head of Defence at IRS, described the launch as a historic milestone reflecting growing trust in Indian shipbuilding and classification capabilities.
• The project highlights strengthened maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka, supports indigenous shipbuilding development, and reinforces India’s role as a key maritime partner in the Indian Ocean region.

This achievement underscores growing defence export activities and international collaboration in naval infrastructure — an important development for regional maritime security and shipbuilding industries.

Source: https://container-news.com/indian-register-of-shipping-launches-first-defence-export-project/