The fourth of eight Mark IV LCU vessels – L54, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata was formally handed over to Indian Navy at GRSE, Kolkata.
The first ship of Mark IV LCU vessels INS LCU 51 was commissioned into Indian Navy in 2016. Moreover, two more LCU ships L52 & L53 have been already delivered to Indian Navy.
The Mark IV Landing Craft Utility (LCU) vessels are a further improved version of the Mark III LCU vessels presently being used by the Indian Navy.
These total eight vessels Mark IV category are amphibious ships with primary role to transport and deploy Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), armoured vehicles, troops and equipment from ship to shore.
LCU MK-IV vessels will be based in Andaman and Nicobar Command.