GSL Launches 2nd Indigenous Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel

The 2nd Vessel of the indigenous Project for 05 Offshore Patrol Vessels for Indian Coast Guard was ceremoniously launched on 25 May 2019 at Goa Shipyard Limited. Mrs. Seema Mittal, wife of Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) Shri Sanjiv Mittal performed the launching rituals and named the vessel as ‘Sujeet’. The first vessel of ship class was launched three months earlier by the Raksha Mantri on 21 Feb 2019. The ceremony was attended by Coast Guard Commander (Western Seaboard) – ADG K Natarajan, PTM, TM, Flag Officer Goa Area RAdm Philipose G Pynumootil, NM, Director General of Goa Police Shri Prabnav Nanda and CMD, GSL Commodore BB Nagpal, and various other senior dignitaries.

The ongoing shipbuilding project for 05 Offshore Patrol Vessels is one of the biggest orders being executed by GSL for the Indian Coast Guard. This indigenous Project was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on 13 Nov 2016. It is creditable for the shipyard to complete the 100% hull construction and bring the vessel in advanced stage of outfitting for delivery in Jun 2020. Entirely designed in-house by the professionals of GSL, these OPVs will form a formidable part of the Coast Guard Fleet and used for protection of Exclusive Economic Zone of territorial water. These vessels will be fitted with most modern and technologically advanced machinery and computerized controls systems, making them the most advanced Patrol Vessels in service with the Indian Coast Guard. These 2400 tonne vessels will be equipped with features like Quick Response Boats for rescue and anti piracy, Gunnery simulators and many more advanced features. The hull would be the most efficient form designed by GSL and would provide for fuel efficiency, crew comfort and excellent sea keeping qualities.

Recognizing the excellent efforts and achievements of Goa Shipyard, Shri Sanjiv Mittal congratulated the personnel of Goa Shipyard and Coast Guard for the launching of the Vessel. He acknowledged the tremendous contribution of Goa Shipyard in indigenous shipbuilding, catering to the acquisition requirements of the Indian maritime forces.

Speaking on the occasion ADG K Natrajan highlighted the symbiotic relationship between Indian Coast Guard and Goa Shipyard and added that majority of Indian Coast Guard ships are built at GSL.

Source: PSUConnect

Image Courtesy: DAP