Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) has marked a significant achievement with the ceremonial launch of next-generation offshore patrol vessel (OPV) INS Shachi (Yard 1280) for the Indian Navy and the delivery of fast patrol vessel (FPV) ICGS Achal (Yard 1274) to the Indian Coast Guard.
INS Shachi is a part of the Navy’s NGOPV program. The construction of NGOPVs is being undertaken concurrently at two shipyards (GSL, Goa & GRSE, Kolkata). These indigenously built ships will augment the existing 10 OPVs/NOPVs for multi-domain operations, such as defence and surveillance, search and rescue, protection of offshore assets, HADR, and anti-piracy missions.
These ships derive their names from Indian mythology, with the first ship (ex-GSL) being named as Shachi, meaning one who renders assistance.
Simultaneously, the fats patrol vessel ICGS Achal was handed over to the Indian Coast Guard to enhance coastal surveillance and maritime security.
Chairman & Managing Director Shri Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay stated that the twin milestones reflect GSL’s strong execution capability and growing production capacity. He highlighted that the shipyard has launched 14 vessels in the last 600 days, demonstrating a robust build pace. Both vessels showcase high indigenous content, over 65% in ICGS Achal and around 76% in INS Shachi.
Meanwhile, the Indian Navy yesterday also welcomed three new warships, Dunagiri, Sanshodhak, and Agray.