ICG’s indigenously-built second offshore vessel launched

Launching of any sea going vessel was an auspicious moment, as the ship touches water for the first time, where she has to spend the rest of her life. Additional Director General K Natarajan, Commander Coast Guard (Western Seaboard) was the chief guest.

The OPV was the second in the series of seven OPVs under construction by L and T Shipbuilding as per the contract signed between Ministry of Defence and L and T shipyard on March 30, 2015. The OPV has been fully indigenously designed and being built first time by a private yard.

The first OPV, which was launched on October 27 last year, would be inducted into the Coast Guard in March this year.

The second OPV launched today was likely to be inducted into the Coast Guard in September after completion of extensive trials on fitted equipment and machineries, a Defence release said. The length of the OPVs was 98 mtrs and breadth is 14.8 mtrs with gross tonnage of 2,100 tons. The endurance of the vessel is 5,000 nautical miles at cruising speed. The cruising speed of the ship was 12-14 knots, which could be raised to maximum speed of 26 knots.

The ship was fitted with two diesel driven engines of 9,000 kw each with low fuel consumption, high TBO and complying to IMO tier-II norms.

The ship was also capable to carry one Integral Twin Engine Helicopter which would enhance its operational, surveillance, search and rescue capability. The vessel would be utilised for day and night patrol and surveillance, anti-terrorist, anti-smuggling operations in Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Coastal Security.

“The ship is fitted with one number 30 mm automatic gun with Fire Control System (FCS) and two numbers 12.7 mm gun with FCS. These vessels are equipped with the state-of-art radars, navigational and communication system which are capable of operating in topical conditions,” the release said.

The ship would be manned by 102 crew, including 14 officers.

Commander Natarajan said the Coast Guard was on the path of rapid expansion, which requires large number of stateofart ships and aircraft to strengthen the maritime security mechanism in emerging security scenario.

“Assets requirement are being met by adding new ships and replenishment of ageing existing OPV class of ships in a phased manner which have been inducted 30 to 35 years ago,” he added.