Three new vessels of Coast Gurad commissioned

Panaji, Apr 28 (UNI) Public sector Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) today achieved a milestone with the commissioning of an advanced off-shore patrol vessel (AOPV), Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) 'Subhadra Kumari Chauhan', and the launch of an extra fast patrol vessel (XFPV) and another AOPV.

'Subhadra Kumari Chauhan was commissioned by Indian Coast Guard Director General P Paleri's wife Susheela at the Mormugao Port Trust jetty. Ms Uma Vadgaonkar, wife of Flag Officer Commnding (FOC), Goa Naval Area, S M Vadgaokar, was also present-on the occassion.

All the three vessels are meant for strengthening the Indian Coast Guard in maritime patrolling, checking piracy and terrorism and protecting the exclusive economoc zone besides engaging in search and rescue operations.

The 50-metre long 266-tonne ICGS Chauhan, considered the fastest vessel with 35 knots speed ever built by any shipyard in the country, has a unique feature of waterjet propulsion. Apart from meeting its designated duties, it can support Navy during wartime as a coastal convey escort and a communication link.

It has a minimum endurance of 1,500 nautical miles and is fitted with a 30 mm gun, two 12.7 mm machine guns along with highly advanced navigation and communication equippment.

The XFPV ICGS Savithri Bhai Phule, fifth in its series built by the GSL, named after noted social reformer of 1850-75, has features similar to ICGS SK Chauhan.

The 105 metre long AOPV ICGS 'Sankalp' is the first in its series and can stage ALH helicopters with helo traversing facility and sea boats. It has 6,500 nautical miles range and can move with a speed of 23.5 knots. It was considered the biggest ever built for the Indian Coast Guard.

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