Construction begins on fourth OPV for Indian Coast Guard

Construction on the indigenously designed fourth of the new class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard has begun with the keel laying ceremony by Goa Shipyard (GSL).

GSL was awarded a contract on 9 May 2012 to develop six OPVs for the Indian Coast Guard.

The keel laying ceremony for the first OPV was held on 28 September 2012 while construction on second and third vessels began on 28 January 2013 and 11 October 2013 respectively.

Designed based on in- house design of GSL, the vessels will be the most advanced Patrol Vessels in service with the Indian Coast Guard.

The 105m-long vessels will have a displacement capacity of about 2400t and features a contemporary navigational integrated bridge system with bridge watch navigational call up system and CCTV System for complete surveillance.

Additional features of the boats include quick response boats for rescue and anti piracy, four lane simulator for small arms training as well as other advanced features.

The hull of the vessel would provide for fuel efficiency, crew comfort and excellent sea keeping qualities.

In 2013, the company delivered the second of the new 105m-long naval offshore patrol vessel (NOPV), INS SUNAYNA, indigenously designed in-house to the Indian Navy.

The vessel has been designed to support missions including ocean surveillance and surface warfare operations to prevent infiltration and transgression of maritime sovereignty.

In addition to monitoring sea lines of communication, defence of offshore oil installations and other critical offshore national assets, the vessel can be deployed for escorting high value ships and fleet support operations.

Image: Officials during fourth OPV keel laying ceremony. Photo: © 2014 Goa Shipyard Ltd.