ICGS Abhinav enters service with Indian Coast Guard

ICGS Abhinav, the Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) Cochin Shipyard (CSL)-built third fast patrol vessel (FPV), has been commissioned in to service during a ceremony at Kochi, India, in a bid to further strengthen coastal security.

Based at Kochi under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (West), the vessel can accommodate five officers and 34 other ranks, commanded by Commandant Raman Kumar.

The first FPV, named Aadesh, was commissioned at Cochin Shipyard on 13 December 2013.

Capable of achieving a maximum speed of 33k, the 290t FPVs feature weaponry and advanced communication and navigational equipment and have an endurance capacity of 1500nm at economical speed of 13k.

Ideal for conducting multifarious close-coast missions such as surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue and medical evacuation, the ship also features an integrated bridge management system (IBMS), integrated machinery control system (IMCS) and an integrated gun mount with indigenous fire control system (FCS).

In addition to providing communication link and escort convoys during hostilities and war time, the vessels support anti smuggling, anti piracy operations as well as fisheries protection and monitoring missions.

The delivery of remaining vessels under the contract is scheduled to complete by 2017.