The sixth of eight indigenously built Landing Craft Utility (LCU) MK IV class ships 'LCU L 56' was commissioned into the Indian Navy by Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C), Eastern Naval Command, on Jully 29 at Visakhapatnam.
LCU L56 would be administered and based in Port Blair under the NAVCC in ANC (Andaman Nicobar Command) (Picture source: Twitter)
LCU 56 is an amphibious ship with its primary role being transportation and deployment of Main Battle Tanks, Armoured Vehicles, Troops and Equipment from ship to shore.
Speaking to media, Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain said, "Today we have commissioned LCU L56 which an amphibious ship. This ship is going to be placed at Port Blair that is our Andaman and Nicobar Command. It overlooks the busiest sealines of communication from where a large number of ships transit. This ship is going to play a very important role to protect the maritime interest of the country."
With a displacement of 900 tonnes, the ship measures 62 metres in length and is fitted with two MTU diesel engines, which provide a sustainable speed of over 15 knots. The ship is equipped with the state-of-art equipment and is armed with two 30 mm CRN-91 guns manufactured by Ordnance Factory, Medak.
