On February 27, 2020 6th offshore patrol vessel(OPV) “Yard 45006 VAJRA” was launched to enhance coastal security. Shri Mansukh Laxmanbhai Mandaviya, Minister of State for Shipping(I/C) and Chemicals & Fertilizers is the Chief Guest of the launching ceremony.The 6th vessel in the series of 7 OPV is designed & developed by Larsen & Toubro under the Central government’s initiative ‘Make in India’.
Objective of 6th OPV
To strengthen the efforts of Indian Coast Guard to secure over 7500 km vast coastline,over 20 Lakh sq Kms of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)& to safeguard more than 1 lakh merchant ships transiting per year through Indian waters for global trade.
Gist about OPV-6
i.It is a state of the art platform which increases the capabilities of Indian Coast Guard in Operation, Surveillance, Search & Rescue.
ii.It is used for day & night surveillance along with anti-terrorist, anti-smuggling operations in the EEZ.
iii.It has 2 Navigation radars, with ultra-modern technology, Sophisticated navigational and latest communication systems.
iv.It is 98 metres long & 15 metres wide with gross tonnage of 2,100 tonne. It is equipped with two diesel driven engines & can extend to a maximum speed of 26 knots.
v.The ship will be manned by 121 personnel & to increase its operational, surveillance, search and rescue capability it will be fitted with CRN-91 & 12.7 mm guns & an integral twin engine helicopter.
vi.It will be inducted by the Coast Guard after extensive trial & testing of equipment & machinery.
Key Points:
- The National Maritime Heritage Complex to be developed at Lothal, Gujarat to secure & showcase the rich maritime heritage of India.
- Within 43 years, the Indian Coast Guard has increased its fleet strength & became one of the largest coast guards in the world.
About TamilNadu:
Capital– Chennai
Chief Minister– Edappadi K.Palaniswami
Governor– Banwarilal Purohit
