The US Navy’s dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10). Credit: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist Seaman Molly M. Crawford.

The US Navy’s Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship, USNS Charles Drew, has arrived to undergo maintenance works at an Indian shipyard.

The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has revealed that it is the first time a US Navy vessel will receive maintenance and repair services in India.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

US Consul General Chennai Judith Ravin said: “In April, at the US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin affirmed their intention to explore utilising Indian shipyards for repairs on US Navy vessels.

“This inaugural repair of USNS Charles Drew is a landmark development to be celebrated as a symbol of our strengthened US-India partnership.”

Under a contract awarded by the US Navy, L&T will carry out the repair and maintenance work at its Kattupalli shipyard in Chennai, India.

The shipyard will perform work in various areas for a period of 11 days.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

L&T Defence and Smart Technologies executive council member and CEO advisor JD Patil said: “The of the US Navy had undertaken rigorous evaluation of select shipyards in India and cleared L&T for undertaking repairs on their vessels.

“It is a recognition for the modern infrastructure at the shipyard built to global standards.”

According to Indian MoD, the Indian shipyards provide a variety of cost-effective ship repair and maintenance services, using advanced maritime technology platforms.

This move will strengthen the strategic partnership between India and the US. It will also boost the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.