Panaji, Aug 14 (UNI) As part of Atma Nirbhar Week activities, the 4th Coast Guard OPV, designed in-house and built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), was launched by Veena Ajay Kumar in the presence of Dr Ajay Kumar, Defence Secretary, Government of India.
The unique launching was held through a digital ceremony on August 13, 2020, in the presence of Raj Kumar, IAS, Secretary (DP), Gargi Kaul, Secretary (Defence Finance), Apoorva Chandra, DG(Acq), Director General Indian Coast Guard K Natarajan, PTM,TM, Cmde B B Nagpal, NM, CMD, GSL and other senior dignitaries from Government and Coast Guard.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ajay Kumar, Defence Secretary, said “In increasing maritime threat perception, launching of this Offshore Patrol Vessel will add strength to the Indian Coast Guard and provide better peacetime dividends to the nation. I heartily commend GSL for resilience and resolve and continuing to deliver ships ahead of schedule. Providing ships and maintaining refit services in prevailing situations speaks volumes about their professionalism.”
While complementing GSL for achieving yet another milestone in execution of 5 CGOPVs Project, DGICG K Natarajan said, “The launching of this majestic ship, which is an example of fine workmanship and equipped with most advanced machineries, will help Indian Coast Guard in performing multifarious roles chartered to Indian Coast Guard more effectively.”
Speaking on the occasion, Cmde B B Nagpal, NM, CMD, GSL said, “The launch of the fourth OPV despite the serious supply chain constrains imposed by COVID-19 is a major feat for GSL.” CMD appreciated the support being provided by workers and Unions in meeting these challenging targets. He also thanked Ministry of Defence and Indian Coast Guard for reposing confidence in GSL.
Earlier in the day, while announcing the successful indigenization of Gear Boxes fitted on this class of ship as part of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat week celebrations, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh appreciated the efforts made by GSL and other DPSUs said “I am confident that DPSUs & OFB will emerge as the prime drivers of ‘Atma Nirbhar Abhiyan’ and they will contribute significantly towards national security and self-reliance”
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