Rajnath Singh commissions ICGS Samudra Pratap in Goa

Marking a major step forward in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in shipbuilding and maritime capability development, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday commissioned Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) ‘Samudra Pratap,’ the first of two Pollution Control Vessels built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), in Goa.

With over 60 per cent indigenous content, Samudra Pratap, meaning Majesty of the Seas, is India’s first indigenously designed pollution control vessel and the largest ship in the ICG fleet to date. The addition of ICGS Samudra Pratap will significantly enhance the ICG’s operational capability in pollution control, fire-fighting, maritime safety, and environmental protection.

It will also strengthen its ability to conduct extended surveillance and response missions across India’s vast maritime zones.

Rajnath Singh described the vessel as an embodiment of India’s mature defence industrial ecosystem, which possesses the capability to handle complex manufacturing challenges effectively, adding that consistent efforts are being made to enhance the indigenous content in ships to 90 per cent.

“ICGS Samudra Pratap has been specially designed for pollution control, but its role is not limited to this alone. As multiple capabilities have been integrated into a single platform, the ship will prove to be effective in coastal patrol, and strengthen maritime safety. It is a product of the modern approach adopted by the GSL to enhance flexibility and readiness to deal with present-day maritime challenges,” he said.

The ship is equipped with advanced pollution detection systems, dedicated pollution response boats, and modern firefighting capabilities. It also features a helicopter hangar and aviation support facilities, which can significantly increase its reach and effectiveness. Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that due to these capabilities, the vessel will be able to operate stably even in rough sea conditions, providing a huge advantage in real-life operations.

He termed marine environment protection as not just a strategic necessity, but a moral responsibility, amidst the challenges of climate change and global warming. He appreciated ICG for carrying out oil spill response, firefighting, and salvage operations, placing India in the category of select countries that possess advanced environmental response capabilities.

Emphasising that a clean sea guarantees safe trade, safe lives, and a safe environment, the defence minister Stated that platforms such as ICGS Samudra Pratap provide confidence that India not only understands its maritime responsibilities, but is fully prepared to fulfill them.

On the current period of global maritime uncertainty, Rajnath Singh said India has repeatedly proven that it secures not only its own interests, but also the peace and stability of the entire Indo-Pacific region. This approach makes India a Responsible Maritime Power, he added.

In a first, the ship will have two women officers. Acknowledging the ICG for rapidly moving towards an inclusive and gender-neutral work environment in line with the Government’s vision, the defence minister dubbed it as a matter of pride that, today, women officers are being appointed as pilots, observers, air traffic controllers, logistics officers, and law officers, while being trained for hovercraft operations and being actively deployed in frontline operations.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Director General, ICG DG Paramesh Sivamani, Chairman & Managing Director, GSL Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, and officials of the central and State Governments were present on the occasion.