India launches floating dry dock for Sri Lanka Navy

• The project represents India’s first major defence-export initiative of this kind deepening maritime collaboration in the Indian Ocean region

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

A 4,000-tonne Floating Dry Dock (FDD) constructed for the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) was officially launched last week at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), after several years of negotiations, planning and high-level defence discussions between India and Sri Lanka.   

The project represents India’s first major defence-export initiative of this kind deepening maritime collaboration in the Indian Ocean region.   

The floating dock, valued at approximately US$20 million, is being provided to Sri Lanka as a sovereign grant from the Government of India under an agreement signed in March 2022. Designed to accommodate vessels up to 115 metres in length with a lifting capacity of 4,000 tonnes, the facility is expected to enhance Sri Lanka’s naval maintenance capabilities.

Once delivered, the dock will be stationed at the Trincomalee Naval Dockyard, specifically at Nicholson Cove, which is also home to the Special Boat Squadron (SBS) headquarters. The Sri Lanka Navy currently depends on foreign or private dockyards for underwater repairs and periodic maintenance of its larger vessels. The new facility will enable in-country servicing, reduce operational downtime, and potentially save an estimated Rs. 600 million annually in repair costs.   

While the project is expected to enhance in-country maintenance capacity and reduce reliance on foreign dockyards, it has also sparked debate in defence circles. In 2016, Pakistan reportedly offered to provide a similar floating dock facility to Sri Lanka. Concerns have also been raised about the anticipated presence of Indian technical personnel in Trincomalee for commissioning, training, and operational support, with discussions ongoing about the duration and scope of such involvement.   

“This launch marks a historic milestone for IRS as our first defence export project” said Cdr KK Dhawan, Head Defence at IRS. “It reflects the trust placed in Indian shipbuilding and classification capabilities and demonstrates our commitment to supporting friendly foreign navies with robust, reliable and globally benchmarked technical standards. We are proud to contribute to strengthening maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.”