Vasco, Feb 21 (UNI) Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched first vessel of the indigenous project for five Offshore Patrol Vessels for Indian Coast Guard here on Thursday.
The vessel, named as ‘Sachet’, was launched with much fanfare at GSL in presence of Union Minister of State for AYUSH Shripad Naik, Member of Rajya Sabha Vinay D Tendulkar, Director General Coast Guard Rajendra Singh, PTM, TM, Coast Guard Commander (Western Seaboard) – ADG K Natarajan, PTM, TM, Flag Officer Goa Area Rear Admiral Philipose G Pynumootil, NM, Chairman and Managing Director of Goa Shipyard Limited - Commodore BB Nagpal, and various other 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. The indigenous project was launched by Prime Minister on November 13, 2016, and the keel of 1st Vessel was laid on March 20, 2017, by ADG K Natarajan, PTM, TM. It is creditable for the shipyard to complete the 100 per cent hull construction and launch the vessel within 23 months of keel laying. The vessel is in advanced stage of outfitting and will be ready for delivery by Jan 2020, as per the contractual schedule. The present shipbuilding order for five OPVs by Coast Guard is on lines of the earlier order for 06 OPVs, delivered by GSL between October 2015 to November 2019, all before contractual delivery schedule. 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 of the Nation. 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, on delivery. The 2400 tonnes 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.