A unique vessel, known as the Ancient Stitched Ship, was launched by Rear Admiral KM Ramakrishnan, Flag Officer Commanding Karnataka Naval Area. The launch took place at a ceremony at the Hodi Innovations shipyard in Goa. Crafted using wood, coir, and natural resin, the ship is constructed in tribute to traditional shipbuilding techniques. It consists of coconut fibre stitching, an old Indian maritime construction technique. The project saw collaboration with craftsman Babu Shankaran from Kerala.
Historian Sanjeev Sanyal initiated the project, which has been executed through a tripartite agreement between the Navy, the Ministry of Culture, and Hodi Innovations. At the ceremony, Rear Admiral Ramakrishnan also announced plans to dock the vessel at Karwar port, highlighting the historical importance of stitched ships. Captain Dilip Donde, the country’s first solo global circumnavigation, will mentor a Navy team preparing for ocean voyages aboard the ship.
