Cochin Shipyard launches first FPV for Indian Coast Guard

Cochin Shipyard has launched the first fast patrol vessel (FPV), Aadesh (BY 501) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at Kochi, India, intended to boost the country’s coastal security.

In 2010, India had signed a contract with Cochin Shipyard to manufacture a total of 20 FPVs for its Coast Guard, with the last ship scheduled to be delivered in 2017.

The vessels are being built under the dual classification requirements of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).

The Aadesh vessel will be used by the ICG to conduct missions including patrol within exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and coastal patrol , anti smuggling, search and rescue operations and for anti piracy operations.

Powered by water jets to cruise at a speed of 33k, the vessels will also provide communication link and escort convoys during hostile conditions and war time.

Cochin Shipyard has partnered with SEDS to design the series of 50m-long and 7.6m-wide vessels, which can accommodate a crew of 35.

In order to ensure high-quality welding and fabrication of aluminium structures, special techniques are being implemented.

Additionally, the shipyard has launched two platform supply vessels for PSV Holdings, Cyprus.

Currently Cochin Shipyard is under contracts to deliver a total of 27 ships which include 20 FPVs, five offshore support ships for Indian and foreign owners; one buoy tender vessel for the Department of Lighthouses and Lightships; and the indigenous aircraft carrier for the navy.