The Keel Laying ceremony for the first of the new class of Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Indian Coast Guard was held at Goa Shipyard Ltd on September 28th 2012. Significantly, the steel cutting ceremony for first of the vessels was done few days after signing of the contract for the construction of six Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard on 9th May 2012 .
The vessels for the Indian Coast Guard are based on in- house design of Goa Shipyard Ltd.
When commissioned, these vessels 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. 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, October 01, 2012; Image: GOA Shipyard