Close on the heels of successful launch of first and second new class CG OPV, Goa Shipyard ceremoniously launched the third of the series of Six OPVs, designed in-house and built by GSL, for the Indian Coast Guard on 24th April 2015 at Goa. This 105 meter new generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) was launched by Smt Priti Gupta in the company of Shri Ashok Kumar Gupta, Special Secretary, Defence Production, Govt. of India and Rear Admiral Shekhar Mital, NM, IN (Retd) CMD, GSL and many other senior dignitaries from Government, Navy and Coast Guard.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Ashok Kumar Gupta, Special Secretary, Defence Production, Govt. of India said “ it is extremely heartening to note that GSL today is in the forefront of designing and building ships for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard and has emerged as the “Yard of Choice” for both Coast Guard and Navy. This has been largely due to execution of projects on time, which certainly make GSL stands out amongst all other shipyards.”
While complementing GSL for all round improvement in the performance Special Secretary Defence Production said “The results of financial re-engineering undertaken during last one year are fairly evident. These results are clear indicative of much improved performance in last year and are direct result of dynamic leadership at the top coupled with diligent efforts at all levels.” Asserting that nearly 50% of GSL’s present order book is from exports, Shri Gupta said “multiple vessels for export to friendly countries, being built by the Yard is a fine validation of GSL’s capabilities and delivery execution skills, which has made it a preferred supplier of ships, either in India or for exports”.
Speaking on the occasion, RAdm Shekhar Mital, NM, IN (Retd) CMD, GSL said “ the launch of third ship of the series in quick succession, of one month, is a validation of our capabilities, performance and unwavering commitment for timely delivery of ships. The first vessel will be ready for delivery as per schedule by Oct 15 and all six vessels will be delivered by 2017”.
CMD further said that “We feel proud that our latest delivered ship INS Sumitra to Indian Navy was in the forefront and first ship to enter Aden/ Yemen to evacuate our countrymen from troubled shores abroad. That was the confidence reposed by Indian Navy in GSL built and delivered ships and speaks volume of our shipbuilding quality and reliability .”
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.
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.
