Cochin Shipyard unveils Indian Coast Guard’s eighth Fast Patrol Vessel

Cochin Shipyard has launched the eighth of the 20 Fast Patrol Vessel being built for Indian Coast Guard.

The launch of the vessel, ICGS Achook, follows the delivery of the fifth vessel CGS Achook to the Coast Guard on 28 March 2014.

In October 2010, the Indian Coast Guard awarded an INR15bn ($338m) worth contract to Cochin Shipyard for the development of 20 FPVs.

The vessels can conduct missions such as anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, fisheries protection, search and rescue (SAR), exclusive economic zone (EEZ) surveillance, and coastal patrol.

Additionally, the FPVs can be used as communication and escort platforms during hostile and wartime conditions while operations in Indian coastal waters and adjacent island territories.

Armed with gyro-stabilised 30mm naval gun system, the vessels of the class have an endurance of 1,500nm at economical speed of 13k, while the maximum speed is 33k.

In addition to featuring an integrated bridge management system and integrated machinery control system (IMCS), the OPVs are equipped with VisionMaster Total Watch multifunction displays (MFDs), electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS), auto-pilot, magnetic compass and NAVIGAT 3000 fibre optic gyrocompass.