Indian Navy Ditches Steam, Embraces Diesel for a Modern Fleet

In a move that signals a significant leap forward for its naval capabilities, the Indian Navy is undergoing a major modernization effort by ditching steam-powered propulsion systems in favor of diesel. This ambitious initiative, already underway, aims to extend the lifespan of its warships, improve their maintainability, and boost their overall performance.

The transformation kicked off in early April with the INS Beas, a frigate in the Brahmaputra class. The project, a collaboration with the government-owned Cochin Shipyard Ltd., is part of a comprehensive mid-life upgrade program that goes beyond just the engines, including overhauls of various onboard systems.

Why Diesel? Efficiency, Capability, and Cost Savings​

The switch to diesel isn't just about keeping up with the times. Diesel engines are known for their superior efficiency, which translates to greater range and operational flexibility for the warships. They also require less maintenance, reducing the downtime of these crucial vessels. All in all, these factors contribute to a more cost-effective fleet in the long run.

Currently, the INS Vikramaditya (an aircraft carrier) and INS Jalashwa (a landing platform dock) are the only other steam-powered ships in the Indian Navy. The successful conversion of the INS Beas is expected to pave the way for similar upgrades for these vessels, further solidifying the Navy's commitment to modernizing its fleet.

Smooth Sailing into the Future​

This strategic shift towards diesel propulsion is expected to give the Indian Navy a significant edge in maintaining its maritime security and dominance in the region. With more efficient, capable, and cost-effective warships, the Navy is well-positioned to face future challenges head-on.

While the Navy hasn't officially commented on the specific cost savings or performance improvements expected from this transition, industry experts and open-source information (such as the article published by the Indian Express on April 22, 2024) suggest a significant enhancement in lifespan (from 10-12 years to over 20 years) and overall capability for the upgraded vessels.

As India's naval prowess continues to grow, this modernization effort stands as a testament to the country's dedication to safeguarding its interests in the ever-evolving maritime landscape.

 

[Anant]

Regarding further upgrades, it simply won't happen to all the ships listed here.

The Brahmaputra-class frigates are between 19 and 24 years old, out of a planned 40 year life cycle. As such, the conversion from steam to diesel propulsion allows the ships to be retained for a total of 40 years, which means that these ships will still have 15+ years left after conversion. Hence, this conversion makes sense.

On the other hand, Jalashwa is already a very old ship. Her service as USS Trenton began in 1971, and she left American service in January 2007, being commissioned in Indian service in June that year. As such, even with her refit, she is 53 years old, and doesn't have more than 6-7 years more service left in her. A conversion to diesel propulsion quite possibly does not make sense now, since even the hull and other subsystems are that old.

Coming to Vikramaditya, that is an interesting case. On one hand, she does have about 20 years of service left in her. However, despite her reconstruction from Admiral Gorshkov into Vikramaditya, she is still an old ship, having been initially commissioned 37 years back. Moreover, converting her to diesel propulsion would entail dismantling a major part of the ship, which makes it's feasibility lower.

As such, it seems INS Beas' refit will be followed by INS Brahmaputra and INS Betwa getting similar refits, but INS Jalashwa almost certainly won't, and INS Vikramaditya quite probably won't.

Oh, and the Arihant-class SSBNs also have a steam-based propulsion system, just like every other nuclear-powered vessel in the world. The only difference is that you have a reactor generating steam rather than fuel boilers.

 

[charminar_waale_ismail_bhai]

Regarding further upgrades, it simply won't happen to all the ships listed here.

The Brahmaputra-class frigates are between 19 and 24 years old, out of a planned 40 year life cycle. As such, the conversion from steam to diesel propulsion allows the ships to be retained for a total of 40 years, which means that these ships will still have 15+ years left after conversion. Hence, this conversion makes sense.

On the other hand, Jalashwa is already a very old ship. Her service as USS Trenton began in 1971, and she left American service in January 2007, being commissioned in Indian service in June that year. As such, even with her refit, she is 53 years old, and doesn't have more than 6-7 years more service left in her. A conversion to diesel propulsion quite possibly does not make sense now, since even the hull and other subsystems are that old.

Coming to Vikramaditya, that is an interesting case. On one hand, she does have about 20 years of service left in her. However, despite her reconstruction from Admiral Gorshkov into Vikramaditya, she is still an old ship, having been initially commissioned 37 years back. Moreover, converting her to diesel propulsion would entail dismantling a major part of the ship, which makes it's feasibility lower.

As such, it seems INS Beas' refit will be followed by INS Brahmaputra and INS Betwa getting similar refits, but INS Jalashwa almost certainly won't, and INS Vikramaditya quite probably won't.

Oh, and the Arihant-class SSBNs also have a steam-based propulsion system, just like every other nuclear-powered vessel in the world. The only difference is that you have a reactor generating steam rather than fuel boilers.

INS Vikramaditya will always remain a band-aid solution for the IN. I too don't think that IN will pursue with its modernization ans instead would put thr money and effort into the next AC if the INS Vikrant class ehich will be not just a better investment into the nation's security, but will also be a more meaningful upgrade.

 

[Anant]

INS Vikramaditya will always remain a band-aid solution for the IN. I too don't think that IN will pursue with its modernization ans instead would put thr money and effort into the next AC if the INS Vikrant class ehich will be not just a better investment into the nation's security, but will also be a more meaningful upgrade.

Very true. Vikramaditya will retain most of the inefficiencies that come from her origin. I am also certain she will only serve for 30 years with India, which translates to another 20 years. However, once IAC-II comes online, Vikramaditya will take a backseat of sorts, becoming a training carrier for the most part.

 

[Pad UwU]

Let's sell or donate old usable stuffs to Philippines to annoy China 😹😹😹

 

[Anant]

Let's sell or donate old usable stuffs to Philippines to annoy China 😹😹😹

Agreed. I have already said on occasion that our four Samar-class OPVs (1700 tons each with a 3" gun) are in decent shape, and are being decommissioned by the ICG since newer ships are on the way. All four could be donated/ sold to the Philippines. With refits, they can serve for another 30 or so years.

 

[Sandeep]

It makes sense that India modernise and install more efficient and reliable engine and propulsion. With the amount of technology transferred to us by now we should be able to develop either a Ukrainian or USA engine.

 

[Anant]

It makes sense that India modernise and install more efficient and reliable engine and propulsion. With the amount of technology transferred to us by now we should be able to develop either a Ukrainian or USA engine.

The idea is that both Brahmaputra and Betwa will eventually receive indigenously designed diesel engines (developed by Kirloskar Group) to replace their BHEL Bhopal-manufactured steam turbines.

 

[Sandeep]

The idea is that both Brahmaputra and Betwa will eventually receive indigenously designed diesel engines (developed by Kirloskar Group) to replace their BHEL Bhopal-manufactured steam turbines.

As long as it’s done by an indigenous company and with indigenous content then it doesn’t matter who gets the order.

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

During war , due to short preparation and starting time , Gas and Diesel engines are the first to sail out , but cannot sustain operations for long as routines of machinery , engines fall due to 200 , 500, 1000 hrs of running which can be handled by the onboard engineers and ERAS . However for 5000 , 10000, 20000, 40000 hrly routines the ships have to return to harbor for repairs by skilled dockyard engineers foremen and technicians . The steam ships though sail late requiring 24 to 48 hrs of raising steam , once out of harbor can sustain operations for months on end provided they are refueled , provisioned and fueled from supply ships at sea . The Srilanka war was a big eye opener and only steam ships could sustain the longer deployments . To maintain skills and endurance the navy should keep 30 % of its fleet running on steam turbines and newer technologies for higher effeciences be sought from American shipbuilding and companies mainly BABOCK and Wolf.

 

[Amata]

It makes sense that India modernise and install more efficient and reliable engine and propulsion. With the amount of technology transferred to us by now we should be able to develop either a Ukrainian or USA engine.

Absolutely agree! Modernizing India's engine and propulsion systems is crucial. With the technology we've acquired, developing engines on par with Ukrainian or USA standards should be a realistic goal. sso id login

 

[Amata]

Agreed. I have already said on occasion that our four Samar-class OPVs (1700 tons each with a 3" gun) are in decent shape, and are being decommissioned by the ICG since newer ships are on the way. All four could be donated/ sold to the Philippines. With refits, they can serve for another 30 or so years.

Agreed. Donating or selling the Samar-class OPVs to the Philippines is a great idea. With proper refits, these ships can serve effectively for many more years and strengthen regional cooperation.

 

[Blademaster]

During war , due to short preparation and starting time , Gas and Diesel engines are the first to sail out , but cannot sustain operations for long as routines of machinery , engines fall due to 200 , 500, 1000 hrs of running which can be handled by the onboard engineers and ERAS . However for 5000 , 10000, 20000, 40000 hrly routines the ships have to return to harbor for repairs by skilled dockyard engineers foremen and technicians . The steam ships though sail late requiring 24 to 48 hrs of raising steam , once out of harbor can sustain operations for months on end provided they are refueled , provisioned and fueled from supply ships at sea . The Srilanka war was a big eye opener and only steam ships could sustain the longer deployments . To maintain skills and endurance the navy should keep 30 % of its fleet running on steam turbines and newer technologies for higher effeciences be sought from American shipbuilding and companies mainly BABOCK and Wolf.

Is this because of the higher requirements for oil lubricants in diesel engines over steam powered engines?

 

[pity777]

The Indian Navy's transition from steam to diesel marks a significant modernization step. Diesel engines offer greater efficiency, reliability, and operational flexibility, aligning with contemporary maritime needs. This shift is expected to enhance the Navy's capabilities and readiness, ensuring better performance and reduced maintenance demands for the fleet.