Coast Guard gets 3rd Offshore Patrol Vessel

New Delhi: The 3rd Vessel of the indigenous project for five Offshore Patrol Vessels for Indian Coast Guard was ceremoniously launched at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) by Vijaya Shripad Naik, wife of Union Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik on Thursday.

Vijaya Shripad Naik performed the launching rituals and named the vessel as 'Sajag'. The Vessel was launched with much fanfare at GSL in the presence of Subhash Chandra, Secretary (Defence Production), DG K Natarajan and various other senior dignitaries.

The ongoing shipbuilding project for 05 Offshore Patrol Vessels was launched by the Prime Minister on 13 Nov 2016. Entirely designed in-house by GSL, these OPVs will form a formidable part of the Coast Guard Fleet and will be used for protection of Exclusive Economic Zone of India.

The vessel will be fitted with the most modern and technologically advanced machinery and computerised controls systems, making them the most advanced Patrol Vessel in service with the Indian Coast Guard. The 2400T vessel will be equipped with features like Quick Response Boats for rescue and anti piracy, Gunnery simulators and many more advanced features.

Recognising the excellent efforts and achievements of Goa Shipyard, Minister Shripad Yesso Naik congratulated the personnel of Indian Coast Guard and Goa Shipyard for the launching of the Vessel. He acknowledged the tremendous contribution of Goa Shipyard in indigenous shipbuilding, catering to the acquisition requirements of the Indian maritime forces.

Speaking on the occasion DG K Natarajan, Director General Indian Coast Guard also praised GSL for its professionalism in persistent delivery of quality ships, within the contractual delivery timelines. He lauded the bonhomie and partnership between Coast Guard and GSL in design and construction of significant number of vessels for the Indian Coast Guard.

On this occasion, Cmde BB Nagpal, CMD GSL said "In line with the Shipyard's tradition of delivering on time, we are confident to deliver the 3rd Vessel, launched on Thursday, as per the contractual schedule. Our endeavour has been to maximise the indigenous content on these ships and I am happy to state that 70 per cent indigenisation has been achieved for these ships."