Mon Dec 02 19:19:38 UTC 2024: ## Kochi Naval Base to Gain More Berthing Space by February 2025
**KOCHI, INDIA (December 3, 2024)** – The commissioning of the North Jetty at Willingdon Island in February 2025 will significantly increase berthing capacity at the Kochi Naval Base, according to Vice Admiral V. Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command (SNC). This expansion will alleviate the current shortage of berths for new and replacement naval ships.
Admiral Srinivas made the announcement during a Navy Day media briefing aboard INS Shardul on December 2nd. Navy Day, observed annually on December 4th, commemorates the 1972 attack on Karachi harbor.
The Admiral also highlighted the Navy’s commitment to environmentally friendly fuel alternatives, noting ongoing collaboration with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) to develop larger hydrogen fuel cell vessels, following the successful construction of a smaller prototype ferry.
He further emphasized the Navy’s progress in indigenization, transitioning from a primarily purchasing force to a significant builder of its own vessels. The Admiral confirmed that the fifth batch of Agniveers, including women, is currently undergoing training at INS Chilka.
The SNC’s assets, he added, have been extensively deployed in anti-piracy, anti-drug operations, and multilateral exercises. The indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, constructed at CSL, has completed its trials and is now assigned to the Western Naval Command. SNC personnel also participated in relief efforts following landslides in Wayanad, and are actively engaging in coastal security awareness programs. The briefing was also attended by Rear Admiral Upal Kundu and Commander Atul Pillai.
First Piper 