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04thJuly 2008 witnessed the achievement of yet another milestone by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and M/s Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). GSL Yard 1203, Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), being built as per specific requirements of the Indian Coast Guard was launched at about 1245 hours. As per the traditions of the service that require a lady to launch the ship, the simple and impressive ceremony was performed by Smt Bharti Kumar wife of Shri Pradeep Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production) in the Ministry of Defence who was also the Chief Guest for the occasion. Vice Admiral RF Contractor AVSM, NM, the Director General Indian Coast Guard graced the occasion and addressed the gathering along with the Chief Guest.
The first of the three Offshore Patrol Vessels (New Series) being built at M/s Goa Shipyard Limited to replace the old Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) inducted in 1980’s would actually be the first 90 m OPV one to join the Indian Coast Guard inventory on being commissioned. The new OPV would be 93.6 meters in length and capable of operating multi engine helicopters. It is designed to be propelled by two MTU engines delivering 18000 KW of power, making the vessel traverse extended ranges of 4500 NM at a cruising speed of 12-14 knots. Besides being capable of providing pollution response and external fire fighting, the ship would be equipped with the state of the art Integrated Platform Management System for Machinery and Bridge Control. Bow thrusters for precision manoeuvring would be an added feature to enable the ship navigate through restricted waters. It is envisaged that the ship would get commissioned by April 2009 and would be christened “Vishwast”. The Secretary (Defence Production) appreciated the yard for its performance abilities and congratulated the Yard for receiving the Best Performing Yard Award by the Raksha Mantri.
The DGICG in his address emphasized the role of private enterprises and shipyards in the shipbuilding projects. The DGICG brought out that in the global defence industry arena, the most favourable measures adopted by various industries is increase in public–private participation, which ultimately leads to greater indigenisation and by extension “Self Reliance”. Lauding the initiative of M/s GSL, he remarked that this was the step in the right direction.
The launching of this vessel is in keeping with the fifteen years Perspective Plan of the Indian Coast Guard. It is envisaged that by the end of the XIth Plan, the Indian Coast Guard would have added further to its inventory 2 AOPVs, 3 OPVs, 3 PCVs, 4 FPVs, 21 IPVs, 11 IBs , 19 Helicopters and 10 fixed wing aircraft. |
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1st 90m OPV Ready for Launching |
Vice Admiral RF Contractor , AVSM,NM Director General Indian Coast Guard being welcomed by GSL representative |
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Mrs Thrity Contractor , President Tatrakshika being welcomed to the launch ceremony |
Address by Shri Pradeep Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production) During Launching Ceremony |
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Address by DG ICG During Launching of 1st 90m OPV |
Launching Ceremony of 1st 90m OPV- “Vishwast” |
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1st 90m OPV being Launched at GSL |
DG ICG addressing EP after the Launching Ceremony |
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© 2008 INDIAN COAST GUARD, Ministry Of Defence, Government Of INDIA |
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