Keel of the first Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Vessel (CGOPV) of the new 5 CGOPVs project for the Indian Coast Guard was laid at Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) recently by ADG K Natarajan, PTM, TM Coast Guard Commander (Western Seaboard), in the presence of RAdm (Retd) Shekhar Mital, NM Chairman and Managing Director, GSL. 

 

Notably, a contract for 5 CGOPVs was signed by GSL with the ministry of defence (MoD) on Aug 26, 2016 and commencement of production was formally started within three months with formal steel cutting on November 13, 2016, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

 

Now, within further four months, company has started construction of multiple blocks concurrently. It may be recalled that GSL has delivered four big size OPVs in a short period of 15 months, resulting in GSL having unique distinction of delivering highest combined CGT of 7700 Tonnes within a year, among all Shipyards in the country. 

 

RAdm (Retd) Shekhar Mital, NM, IN CMD, GSL said, “The yard is already in the process of executing the 6 CGOPVs project, of which four ships have been delivered all ahead of contractual delivery schedule. The balance ships too, are progressing ahead of schedule. The next Project of five OPVs will be built in a reduced build period of less than three years each. 

 

These vessels for the Indian Coast Guard are based on in- house design of GSL and will be fitted with most modern and technologically advanced machinery and computerised controls systems, making them the most advanced Patrol Vessels in service with the Indian Coast Guard on delivery. These 2,400 tonnes vessels will be equipped with additional features like Quick Response Boats for rescue and anti-piracy, Gunnery simulators and many more advanced 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.

 

 

 

Incidentally, this was the first keel laid in the modernised facility developed under phase 3A of Shipyard’s ambitious Modernisation Program, inaugurated by prime minister Narendra Modi on Nov 13, 2016. The ships will thus be built in covered sheds, providing improved environmental protection, leading to high quality of construction, besides improved productivity with conducive environment for workers.