Cochin Shipyard launches third FPV for Indian Coast Guard

Cochin Shipyard has launched the third fast patrol vessel (FPV), Abhinav (BY 503) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), intended to boost the country’s coastal security.

In 2010, ICG had awarded a contract to Cochin Shipyard to manufacture a total of 20 FPVs 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).

Powered by water jets to cruise at a speed of 33k, the 50m-long and 7.6m-wide vessel will also provide communication link and escort convoys during hostile conditions and war time.

The 120t Abhinav vessel can accommodate a crew of 35 and will support ICG’s missions such as patrol within exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and coastal patrol, anti smuggling, search and rescue operations and for anti piracy operations.

Currently Cochin Shipyard is contracted 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.