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SECOND NEW GENERATION OPV BUILT BY GSL FOR COAST GUARD LAUNCHED CEREMONIOUSLY

Close on the heels of successful launch of first CG OPV on 26th Nov. 2014, Goa Shipyard ceremoniously launched the second of the series of
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Close on the heels of successful launch of first CG OPV on 26th Nov. 2014, Goa Shipyard ceremoniously launched the second of the series of Six OPVs, designed in-house and built by GSL, for the Indian Coast Guard on 21st Mar 2015 at Goa. This 105 meter new generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) was launched by Smt Urmila Singh in the company of ADG Rajendra Singh, PTM, TM, Additional Director General, Indian Coast Guard and Rear Admiral Shekhar Mital, NM, IN (Retd) CMD, GSL and many other senior dignitaries from Government, Navy and Coast Guard.

Congratulating GSL on the occasion, ADG Rajendra Singh, PTM, TM, Additional Director General, Indian Coast Guard said “ with the induction of these six OPVs presently being built by the shipyard, a majority of the capital ships in the Coast Guard inventory would be GSL made, thus making this shipyard a very special partner in our efforts towards national security”.

Emphasising that 21 ships built by GSL to date for the Indian Coast Guard form the backbone of operational prowess of Coast Guard at sea, ADG Rajendra Singh said “ considering the commendable track record of the yard, additional 05 Offshore Patrol Vessels have been considered on nomination basis and the contract for same is likely to be concluded shortly. This goes on to show the tremendous faith reposed in the capabilities of the shipyard by the Govt. of India in general and the Indian Coast Guard in particular”.

This new generation OPV is powered by twin diesel engines and is fitted with state-of-the-art Navigation and Communication Equipment. The vessel carries four boats for boarding party operations.  One 30 mm Gun and two 12.7 mm Guns with associated fire control system, form the main weaponry package.

Speaking on the occasion, RAdm Shekhar Mital, NM, IN (Retd) CMD, GSL said “ the launch of second ship of the series in quick succession, of less than four months, speaks of our unwavering commitment for timely delivery of ships. There is no parallel of such rapid construction in Indian ship building industry. The first vessel will be ready for delivery as per schedule by Oct 15 and all six vessels will be delivered by 2017”.

This largest OPV will help meet the increasing requirement of the Indian Coast Guard for undertaking Policing and Patrolling of the vast Indian Exclusive Economic Zone. The ship is also capable of other Coast Guard functions like Search & Rescue operations, Pollution Control and External Fire-Fighting. This ship will also be deployed for Ocean Surveillance and for monitoring sea lanes of communication. The ship is capable of supporting embarkation and operation of the indigenously designed Advanced Light Helicopter. The ship is scheduled to join Coast Guard in its full operational role by Mar 2016.

Asserting that GSL has successfully improved its performance on all fronts, CMD said “ the proactive, strategic and financial initiatives rolled out during last one year, has enabled increased turnover and speedy turnaround. Further, it is due to the toil of all my colleagues at GSL, which is resulting in delivery of ships on time, and optimum solutions offered to customers, thereby we are becoming ‘yard of choice’ for both Navy and Coast Guard. Further, yard has commenced work on export orders of over Rs 1200 Cr in last one year”.

CMD further said “ Defence Ministry’s recent clearance for Rs. 32000 Crore Project to manufacture 12 Mine Counter Measure Vessels (MCMV) indigenously, by Goa Shipyard Ltd. has bolstered ‘Make in India’ Policy of the present Government and is validation of our capabilities and performance in the eyes of Govt.   This of course puts on us greater responsibility of matching the expectation of Government and our customers”.

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