Indian Coast Guard receives eighth fast patrol vessel from Cochin Shipyard

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has received a new fast patrol vessel (FPV) built by the Cochin Shipyard.

The eighth ICGS Amartya FPV forms part of a $338m contract that was awarded in 2010 for the construction of 20 FPVs, in a bid to better combat future maritime security challenges.

To be operated by Coast Guard Station at New Mangalore, Amartya will be propelled by water jets powered by three 2720kW main engines that fulfil the dual classification requirements of ABS and IRS, while offering a maximum cruise speed of 33k.

Integrating latest weaponry and advanced communication and navigational equipments, the 50m-long FPVs can be deployed as communication and escort platforms in the event of hostile and wartime situations while operating in Indian coastal waters and neighbouring island territories.

They can also be deployed to carry out missions such as anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, fisheries protection, search and rescue (SAR), exclusive economic zone (EEZ) surveillance, and coastal patrol.

In a bid to maintain the vessel’s speed in coastal security missions, Cochin Shipyard made use of aluminium to build superstructure of these ships, together with some latest welding and fabrication skills.

Further, the Cochin yard is constructing the Indian Navy’s indigenous aircraft carrier; in addition to an offshore support vessel for a Norwegian owner and a buoy tender vessel for Directorate of Light Houses and Light Ships, Indian Government.

The shipyard has also delivered high end platform support vessel, Sea Triumph, to Liberian firm PSV.