Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL), Goa-based Defence shipyard will launch the largest new generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) designed in-house and built by it for the Indian Coast Guard(ICG) on Wednesday in south Goa.
Rachna Thapliyal will launch the vessel in company of Vice Admiral Anurag G. Thapliyal, Director General, ICG. Chairman and Managing Director of GSL Shekhar Mital and many other senior dignitaries from
government, Navy and Coast Guard.
This state-of-the-art OPV is the first of six being built by GSL for Indian Coast Guard. The OPV will help meet the increasing requirement of the ICG for undertaking policing and patrolling of the vast Indian Exclusive Economic Zone.
The vessel is also capable of other Coast Guard functions like search and rescue operations, pollution control and external fire-fighting.
This vessel will also be deployed for ocean surveillance and for monitoring sea lanes of communication. The ship is capable of supporting embarkation and operation of the indigenously-designed Advanced Light Helicopter.
“The ongoing construction of OPVs for Coast Guard is in full swing. Despite delay in receipt of several critical equipment like shafting, DG Sets, ‘A’ Bracket etc., we are working hard to ensure that the vessel is made ready for delivery as per schedule by October 15. This will further reinforce our unwavering commitment for timely delivery of ships,” said CMD Mital ahead of the launch of the vessel on Monday.
The OPV is powered by twin diesel engines and is fitted with state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment. The vessel carries four boats for boarding party operations. One 30 mm gun and two 12.7 mm guns with associated fire control system, form the main weaponry package.
The contract for the construction of six OPVs for the ICG was signed on May 9, 2012.
