The Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) is all set to open a new chapter in the Indo-Mauritian defence cooperation with the launch of first fast patrol vessel designed and built in house by GSL for the police force, government of Mauritius, on Monday.
Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, Jagdishwar Goburdhan, High Commissioner of the Republic of Mauritius, and RAdm Puneet Kumar Bahl, Flag Officer Naval Aviation and Flag Officer Goa Area, will be present.
“The vessel is scheduled to be delivered as per contract by September. This vessel is primarily designed for coastal patrolling, anti-piracy operations, anti-smuggling and anti-drug surveillance, search and rescue operations, fisheries protection, and monitoring of foreign charted trawlers and anti-poaching operations. It can also support during hostilities and wartime, providing communication link and escorting coastal convoys,” said RAdm Shekhar Mital, chairman and managing director of GSL, on Sunday.
GSL is a leading exporter of ships from Indian subcontinent and is presently executing export orders worth Rs 1,200 crore. New business development areas identified under diversification include construction of Hovercrafts for Indian Army.
GSL has been awarded Raksha Mantri’s Award for Excellence in Design and Development of 50-knot interceptor boats this year and recently selected for the Planning Commission’s CIDC Vishwakarma Award for ‘Best Professionally Managed Company’, said a spokesperson of GSL.
MFPV is powered by three 2,720-kw diesel engines driving three independent water jets. The vessel is capable of hot pursuit and capture operations requiring high speed manoeuvrability.
Cruising speed of this vessel is 12-14 knots and peak speed is 35 knots.
The hull of the vessel is of steel and strong enough to withstand continued heavy sea conditions. Fully air-conditioned accommodation is provided for 35 men on board.
This vessel is fitted with state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment.
