A Government of India initiative to resurrect the traditional stitch ship building technique
With the restoration of an old maritime marvel called the patched ship, India's centuries-old maritime history is about to come life once more. The Indian Navy, Ministry of Culture, and M/s Hodi Innovations, Goa, are working together as part of a historic government endeavor to recreate an old stitched ship that is reminiscent of the ships that previously traveled the oceans on India's historical maritime trade routes.
This incredible endeavor is a representation of the long history of shipbuilding in our country and is deeply ingrained in Indian culture and civilization. This big project's conception was aided greatly by in-depth research and collaboration with a broad range of subject matter specialists.
This project is a result of cooperation between various ministries. The ship's design and construction are being overseen by the Indian Navy, and it will be traveling via historic maritime trade routes. This project has been fully supported by the Ministry of Culture, and it will also get support from the Ministries of Shipping and External Affairs to ensure a smooth international passage.
A coordinated effort involving several ministries is represented by this endeavor. The ship is being designed and built under Indian Navy supervision, and it will travel over historic maritime trade routes. The Ministry of Culture has fully sponsored this project, and in order to ensure a smooth international voyage, the Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of External Affairs will provide assistance.
On December 14, 2022, the National Implementation Committee, presided over by India's honorable home minister, authorized the project as a commemorative project. Following multiple rounds of negotiations with the Ministry of Culture, the Directorate of Naval Architecture of the Indian Navy signed a tripartite agreement with M/s Hodi Innovations, Goa, for the construction of the Ancient Stitched Ship on July 18, 2023.
This ship will be stitched by a group of traditional shipwrights under the direction of Shri. Babu Sankaran, a specialist in stitched ship construction. The timber planks will be moulded using this time-honored method, which entails conventional steaming, to fit the contour of the hull. In a process analogous to the ancient Indian tradition of shipbuilding, each plank will then be joined to the next using cords or ropes and sealed with a mixture of coconut fiber, glue, and fish oil.
Once the ship is prepared, the Indian Navy will embark on a remarkable journey using antiquated navigational methods via the established maritime commerce routes. The keel-laying ceremony, which is set for September 12 at M/s Hodi Innovations in Goa, where Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, the Hon'ble Minister of State for Culture and External Affairs, GoI, will preside as the Chief Guest, marks the beginning of the voyage of rediscovery and revival. Both Adm. R. Hari Kumar, CNS, and Mr. Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the PM's Economic Advisory Council, will be present.