Indian Coast Guard ship ICGS Amartya will be based at Mangalore to augment Karnataka’s coastal surveillance and “add punch” to the Exclusive Economic Zone patrol.
According to a press release, the ship, under Administrative and Operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (West), Mumbai, will enhance the capability required for continuous vigil along the Karnataka maritime frontiers and protect nation’s maritime interests.
It is equipped with Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS) and an Integrated Gun mount with automated control system that is capable of knocking down surface and air targets in all weather conditions by day and night. It also has state-of-the-art weaponry, and advanced communication and navigational systems. It can make an ideal platform for undertaking multifarious close-coast missions, such as surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue, and medical evacuation.
Amartya is the eighth in the series of 20 inshore patrol vessels indigenously built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd. The 50-m long vessel can achieve a maximum speed of 35 knots. The ship has an endurance of 1,500 nautical miles at an economical speed of 13 knots.
ICGS Amartya will arrive at New Mangalore on Sunday at the New Mangalore Harbour. It is commanded by Commandant P.K. Jaiswal who is an Observer in Aviation cadre of Indian Coast Guard. The ship has a complement of five officers and 34 other staffers.
