Coast Guard’s offshore patrol vessel launched
Likely to be inducted into Indian Coast Guard in Mar 2021
Kattupalli, Oct 06: The 7th Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) was launched at L&T Shipbuilding, Kattupalli near Chennai today.
The ship – Vigraha– was launched by Hema Somanathan, wife of Dr TV Somanathan, IAS, Secretary (Expenditure), Ministry of Finance.
Dr TV Somanathan was the Chief Guest. DG K Natarajan, Director General Indian Coast Guard and Inspector General S Paramesh, Commander Coast Guard Region (East) were present.
The OPV launched is the last of the series of 07 OPVs being built by L&T Shipbuilding under the contract signed between Ministry of Defence and L&T, Ltd. That was the first time that the contract for building an OPV Class of Vessel was awarded to a Private Shipyard, i.e. Larsen and Toubro, Ltd in line with the Government’s policy of “Make in India”.
The 7th OPV launched today is likely to be inducted into Indian Coast Guard in Mar 2021 after completion of extensive trials and testing for the equipment and machineries fitted onboard.
The length of the OPVs is 98 mtrs and breadth 14.8 mtrs with gross tonnage of 2100 tons.
The endurance of the vessel is 5000 Nautical miles at cruising speed. The cruising speed of the ship is 12-14 knots and maximum speed of 26 knots can be achieved. The ship will be fitted with indigenous 30 mm 2A42 gun and two 12.7 mm gun.
The ship has been designed to carry integral Twin Engine Helicopter which will enhance its operational, surveillance, search and rescue capability.
The OPV would be utilised for day and night patrol/ surveillance along with anti-terrorist/ anti-smuggling operations in Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Coastal Security.
The Vessel will have two Navigation Radars and ultra-modern technology including sophisticated navigational and latest communication system which are capable of operating in tropical conditions.
The expected life span of the ship is more than 25 years. The ship would be manned by 102 crew, including 14 Officers and 88 Subordinate Officers and Enrolled Personnel.
Despite the restriction and constraints faced by Industries across the world due to COVID-19, the coordinated efforts of ICG Overseeing Team with L&T Shipbuilding have resulted in timely launching of the Vessel. This milestone will ensure timely delivering of the Vessel to ICG which is the need of hour in today’s existing security scenario.
