In order to enhance maritime security, on August 13, 2020, an Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) for the Indian Coast Guard was launched and re-christened as Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) “Sarthak” during a ceremony held at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) which was conducted through video conferencing from Coast Guard headquarters at New Delhi. It was launched by Ms. Veena Ajay Kumar, wife of Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar.
- Sarthak, the 4th in the series of five OPVs deployed by the ICG has been designed and built indigenously by GSL on the lines of “Make in India” which has about 70% indigenous content.
- The ship will be deployed for exclusive economic zone (EEZ) surveillance, Coastal Security and other duties to safeguard India’s maritime interests.
Key Features:
-The 105 Metre ship fitted with state-of-the-art Navigation and Communication equipment, sensor and machinery can displace approximately 2350 tons.
-It has two 9100 KW (Kilowatt) diesel engines designed to attain a maximum speed of 26 knots, with an endurance of 6000 Nautical Miles.
-It can carry a twin-engine helicopter, 4 high speed boats and one inflatable boat for swift boarding and Search & Rescue operations. It can also carry limited pollution response equipment to undertake oil spill pollution response at sea.
In addition to the 05 OPV project, there are 52 ships under construction at different Indian Shipyards and 16 Advanced Light Helicopters are under production at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru (Karnataka).
Recent Related News:
On May 15, 2020 Union Defence minister Rajnath Singh has commissioned the indigenously-built Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sachet, the 1st in the series of five offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), and Interceptor Boats(IB’s) C-450 and C-451 in Goa by video conference from New Delhi.
About Indian Coast Guard (ICG):
Director General– Krishnaswamy Natarajan
Motto-“Vayam Rakshamah” meaning “We Protect”
Headquarter– New Delhi
