Goa Shipyard Ltd. (GSL) signed a contract for the construction of six Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard on 9th May 2012. The vessels are based on in- house design of Goa Shipyard Ltd, which has considerable expertise in designing and constructing a range of Patrol Vessels for the Indian Defence Forces.
GSL expects to cut steel for the first of the vessels within fifteen days.
These vessels when commissioned will be the most advanced Patrol Vessels in service with the Indian Coast Guard. Overall length of the vessels is 105 metres with a displacement of about 2400 tonnes. As compared to the earlier built Patrol Vessels, these six Offshore Patrol Vessels will be fitted with a contemporary Navigational Integrated Bridge System with Bridge Watch Navigational Call Up System, CCTV System for complete surveillance, additional features like quick response boats for rescue and anti piracy, four lane simulator for small arms training 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.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, May 14, 2012