Fifth OPV for CG
S Vishnu Sharmaa, INN/Chennai, @Svs037
Indian Coast Guard had its day on 31 August when fifth Off Shore Patrol Vessel (OPV) was launched. L and T Shipyard at Kattupalli near Chennai was the venue where the ship was launched by Gargi Kaul, Secretary, Defence Finance, Government of India.
ADG KR Nautiyal, Coast Guard Commander (eastern seaboard) and Inspector General S Parmesh, Commander, Coast Guard Region (East) were among those showering praises as Gargi Kaul ventured ahead to launch the OPV.
According to sources, the OPV is the fifth in the series of seven OPVs under construction by L and T Shipbuilding Ltd on a contract signed between Ministry of Defence and L and T Shipyard on 30 Marc 2015.
The OPV has been indigenously designed and being built first time for ICG by a private shipbuilding yard, Larsen and Toubro Shipbuilding Ltd at Kattupalli. The fifth OPV launched today is likely to be inducted into Indian Coast Guard by early 2020 after completion of extensive trials on fitted equipment and machineries.
The length of the OPVs is 98 metres and breadth is 14.8 metres with gross tonnage of 2100 tons. The endurance of the vessel is 5000 nautical miles at cruising speed. The cruising speed of the ship is 12-14 knots which can be raised to maximum speed of 26 knots with 100% propulsion.
The ship is fitted with two diesel driven engines of 9000 kw each with low level consumption, high TBO complying to IMO tier- II norms. The ship will be fitted with one 30 mm Naval Surface Gun (NSG) and two 12.7 mm gun with Fire Control Systems. The ship is also equipped with Integral Twin Engine Helicopter which will enhances its Operational, Surveillance, Search and Rescue capability.
These OPVs would be utilised for day and night patrol along with anti-terrorist, anti-smuggling operations in Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and coastal security.
The vessel is equipped with two COTS Radars and ultra-modern technology including, IBS, IPMC and sophisticated navigational and latest communication system which are capable of operating in tropical conditions.
The life span of the ship is said to be more than 25 years. The ship would be manned by a crew of 102 Indian Coast Guard personnel including 14 Officers.
Gargi Kaul said the launching of OPV marks yet another milestone in our journey towards self-reliance through indigenisation and Make in India.
‘The government is committed to ensure that the Indian Coast Guard is fully equipped for meeting challenges at sea.’ Currently, the Coast Guard has a fleet of 141 ships and boats, in addition, 65 new ships are being built in various Shipyards across the country.
This indeed is a major step in the Ship acquisition plan and by the turn of the present decade, the Coast Guard is on its way to achieve an inventory of 150 ships and boats, said Gargi Kaul.
