The fifth and the last vessel of the indigenous project for 05 Offshore Patrol Vessels for Indian Coast Guard was launched at the hands of Jayanthi Natarajan, President, Coast Guard Wives Welfare Association, in the presence of DG K Natarajan, DGICG, who was the chief guest for the event at Goa Shipyard Limited. The vessel was named as ICGS Saksham. Considering the ongoing restrictions due to COVID-19, the function was held in a scaled down manner at GSL in distinguished presence of Flag Officer Goa Area Rear Admiral Philipose G Pynumootil, NM, chairman and MD of Goa Shipyard Limited — Commodore BB Nagpal and various other dignitaries.
The indigenous project was launched by the Prime Minister on November 13 2016. Since then, two vessels have been commissioned and all five have been launched. In spite of the ongoing COVID situation and disruptions in supply chains, it is creditable for the shipyard to complete the 100 per cent hull construction and launch the vessel within 18 months from keel laying, which was in June 2019. The vessel is in advanced stage of outfitting and will be ready for delivery by October 2021 as per the contractual schedule.
Entirely designed in-house by the professionals of GSL, these OPVs will form a formidable part of the Coast Guard Fleet and used for protection of Exclusive Economic Zone of territorial water of the nation. These vessels will be fitted with modern and technologically advanced machinery and computerised controls systems, making them the advanced patrol vessels in service with the Indian Coast Guard on delivery. These 2,400 tonnes vessels will be equipped with features like quick response boats for rescue and anti piracy, gunnery simulators and many more features. The hull would be the most efficient form designed by GSL and would provide for fuel efficiency, crew comfort and excellent sea keeping qualities.
While complementing GSL for achieving yet another milestone in execution of five CGOPVs Project, DGICG K Natarajan said, “The launching of this majestic ship, which is an example of fine workmanship and equipped with most advanced machineries, will help Indian Coast Guard in performing multifarious roles chartered to Indian Coast Guard more effectively.”
On this occasion Cmde BB Nagpal, CMD GSL, said, “The launch of the fifth OPV despite the serious supply chain constrains imposed by COVID-19 is a major feat for GSL. In line with the shipyard’s tradition of delivering on time, we are confident to deliver this last vessel of the project. Our endeavour has been to maximise the indigenous content on these ships. I am happy to state that more than 70 per cent indigenisation has been achieved for these ships.”