India: Goa Shipyard Kicks Off Construction of First Offshore Patrol Vessel

The first Steel cutting ceremony to mark the commencement of the series construction of the new class Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Indian Coast Guard was held at Goa Shipyard Ltd on 14 May 2012. Significantly, the steel cutting ceremony for first of the vessels comes just few days after signing of the contract for the construction of six Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard on 9th May 2012 .

The visiting delegation which was the Defence working group of IBSA (India , Brazil and South Africa) expressed satisfaction on GSL’s capability to design and build sophisticated and high value ships and lauded GSL’s efforts in self reliance and up-gradation of the Shipyard to meet the future defence requirements.

It is noteworthy that the vessels for the Indian Coast Guard are based on in- house design of Goa Shipyard Ltd. These vessels when commissioned will be the most advanced Patrol Vessels in service with the Indian Coast Guard. Overall length of the vessels is 105 metres with a displacement of about 2400 tonnes. These six Offshore Patrol Vessels will be fitted with a contemporary Navigational Integrated Bridge System with Bridge Watch Navigational Call Up System, CCTV System for complete surveillance, additional features like quick response boats for rescue and anti piracy, four lane simulator for small arms training and many more advanced features. The hull would be the most efficient form designed by GSL and would provide for fuel efficiency, crew comfort and excellent sea keeping qualities.

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Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, May 15, 2012; Image: goashipyard