Reviving India’s Maritime Heritage: Indian Register of Shipping Plays Key Role in the Stitched Ship Project

Mumbai, 18 November 2024 – In a remarkable endeavour to celebrate and revive India’s ancient maritime legacy, the Stitched Ship Project is recreating a 4th-century common era vessel using traditional shipbuilding techniques. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Indian Navy, M/s Hodi Innovations, and other stakeholders, draws inspiration from historical references such as Ajanta murals and ancient texts.

This project embodies India’s long-standing connection to maritime trade and innovation. Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) is proud to play a critical role in this project by ensuring that the reconstructed ship conforms with modern safety and design standards. While maintaining historical authenticity, the vessel’s design has been refined to comply with appropriate stability and strength requirements for the intended sea voyage.

The ship is currently under construction and is expected to be completed in 2025. Once finished, it will embark on a historic voyage retracing ancient trade routes, including a significant journey to Bali, celebrating the legacy of India’s cultural and economic exchange with Southeast Asia.

“This project is a tribute to the ingenuity of India’s ancient shipbuilders and their significant contributions to global maritime history,” said H V Ramesh, Divisional Head Plan Approval Centre, IRS. “We take pride in contributing to this historic reconstruction, ensuring the preservation of its traditional essence while upholding modern standards.”

The Stitched Ship Project exemplifies India’s commitment to preserving its maritime heritage while fostering contemporary innovation. IRS is privileged to be associated with this initiative which represents a collaboration among multiple ministries and experts from diverse fields, blending tradition with modernity.

About Indian Register of Shipping

Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) is an international ship classification society providing ship classification and certification as well as technical inspection services. IRS is a Member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS).

Covering a wide range of shipping, offshore and industrial projects, their team of dedicated professionals brings international standardisation and assurance to your doorstep.

For more information on IRS, please visit: http://www.irclass.org

For further information, please contact:

Chetan Desai | Navigate PR
Mobile: +65 8448 3225
Email: cdesai@navigatepr.com

Lissa Johari | Navigate PR
Mobile: +65 9876 5764
Email: ljohari@navigatepr.com

Santosh Patil | Indian Register of Shipping
Mobile: +91 9820001592
Email: santosh.patil@irclass.org