Nicobar class
Nicobar-class troop ships are large multi-role troop ships converted from merchant ships which were originally ordered by the Ministry of Shipping for service with the Shipping Corporation of India. These were later acquired by the Indian Navy for troop transport duties. The ships include large davits for Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel (LCVP) and also feature high bridge forward, funnel in the aft and a helicopter platform at the stern. This makes the vessels suitable for general purpose roles, other than just troop transport. The design of the Type B-561 ships built by Szczecin Shipyard of Poland was also sold to India for licensed construction.[2][3][4]
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Builders: | Szczecin Shipyard |
| Operators: |
 |
| Active: | 2 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type: | B561 type Troop ship [1] |
| Displacement: | 19,000 long tons (19,305 t) full |
| Length: | 144 m (472 ft 5 in) |
| Beam: | 21 m (68 ft 11 in) |
| Draft: | 6.7 m (22 ft 0 in) |
| Propulsion: | Two Cegielski-B&W type 6L35MC diesels each rated at 2670 kW, driving two shafts for 5340 kW power. |
| Speed: | 16 knots (30 km/h; 18 mph) |
| Complement: | 119 design, 160 in practice |
| Aviation facilities: | Helipad for 1 helicopter |
Ships in the class
| Name | Pennant No. | Date of Launch | Previous Name | Date of Commission | Date of Commission (in Indian Navy) | Homeport | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| INS Nicobar | Yard # B-561/1 | 12 April 1990 | M.V.Harshvardhan [5] | 05 June 1991 | April 1998 | Mumbai | Active |
| INS Andamans | Yard # B-561/2 | 5 October 1990 | M.V.Nancowry | 31 March 1992 | April 2000 | Active |
The INS Andamans should not be confused with INS Andaman (P74), the Petya-class frigate that was lost in the Bay of Bengal in 1990 during a naval exercise [6] which were designated as Arnala-class corvettes due to their small size.