Indian Register of Shipping provides Quality assurance during Fastest-ever Refit of EKM‑Class Submarine by HSL

MUMBAI : Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) has played a critical role as provider of Quality Assurance (QA) services during Hindustan Shipyard Limited’s (HSL) fastest-ever “normal refit” of an EKM‑class submarine, which was successfully completed on 21 July 2025. A national benchmark was set in achieving the shortest ever turnaround time and ensuring technical excellence.

Under a strategic partnership formed as part of India’s push for self-reliance in national defence, IRS was appointed to oversee QA across key systems – Hull, Machinery, and Electrical – as per an approved QA plan. This engagement marks the first time a classification society has provided QA support on a submarine refit in India, reflecting growing confidence in the expertise of IRS within the naval sector.

The refit was completed in an unprecedentedly short time – recognised by the Indian Navy as the fastest for its class – ensured a substantially higher level of operational availability of the Indian Navy’s submarine forces. HSL’s success is attributed to over 30 years of submarine refit experience, a skilled workforce, and close coordination with Naval Dockyard Visakhapatnam and the Eastern Naval Command.

IRS ensured rigorous implementation of inspection protocols across critical systems during the refit. This role represents a significant expansion of IRS’s remit into India’s defence quality assurance domain—an important milestone aligned with national aim of strategic autonomy.

“We are proud to have contributed to this landmark achievement by HSL. IRS’s involvement from the outset ensured that quality and safety benchmarks were met in line with naval expectations. This successful collaboration reaffirms the organisation’s capabilities in handling complex defence assignments and strengthens our role in supporting India’s self-reliance in strategic sectors,” said Saikat Roychowdhury, Head of Operations at IRS.

IRS’s Head Defence stated, “IRS remains committed to delivering world-class QA standard services in support of all the projects of Indian Defence and Paramilitary forces and strengthen its cooperation with them in all spheres.”