India commissions patrol vessel & two interceptor boats in Goa for extensive surveillance; Know key features of ships deployed
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Goa, May 15: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday commissioned Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sachet, an offshore patrol vessel and two interceptor boats (IBs), C-450 and C-451 in Goa via video conference from New Delhi. These will be deployed extensively for Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance, coastal security and other duties as enshrined in the Coast Guard charter of duties, to safeguard the maritime interests of the Nation.
It is for the first time in Indian maritime history that a ship was commissioned through digital medium, maintaining strict protocol of social distancing in the backdrop of COVID-19 pandemic. The ICGS Sachet that is the first in the series of five offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) is designed & built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). It is fitted with state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment.
Three @IndiaCoastGuard ships were dedicated to the nation in a unique digital commissioning ceremony today. These ships were completed in record time.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) May 15, 2020
It is reassuring to witness the growing strength of our Coast Guard and the capabilities of Indian Shipbuilding industry. pic.twitter.com/MLjXwXbIQV
The Minister stated "The commissioning of these ships is an important milestone in India's coastal capability building process." He appreciated ICG and GSL for this initiative of commissioning through digital means. "Despite challenges like COVID-19, it is also a great example of our commitment and determination for the safety and security of the country. The rising power of 'our sea guard', ICG and Indian shipbuilding industry is a matter of pride for the country.”
Batting for the PM Narendra Modi's initiative "SAGAR" he stated those are not lifelines for India but also global prosperity. The oceans that are safe, protected and clean seas provide economic opportunities for nation building. India is an emerging maritime power, and our prosperity is also very dependent on the sea. Being a responsible maritime power, Oceans are priority of the Government.
In addition to this, he complimented the role of ICG guarding the coastline, he said, “As the fourth largest Coast Guard in the world, it has established itself as a reliable force. It not only protects our coastline and coastal community, but also protects economic activities, and maritime environment in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).”
The Minister expressed confidence that the Coast Guard Ships being inducted from today onwards will add to their strength. It will help in overcoming the obstacles related to maritime terrorism, drug trafficking, smuggling, maritime law enforcement and the search and rescue of threatened mariners.
GSL L&T Shipyard, Hazira who produced these ships indigenously to boost the inititaive of Make In India have continued to build and maintain ships under the present circumstances. Praising them, he said, “It also shows the professionalism. It is noteworthy that Indian Shipyards are making significant contribution to the vision of 'Make in India' and 'Self-reliant India campaign', which was recently inspired by our Prime Minister.”
Features of ICGS Sachet:
- Sachet which means alert is a 105 metre long ship displacing approximately 2,350 tons and is propelled by two 9,100 KW diesel engines designed to attain a maximum speed of 26 knots, with an endurance of 6,000 nautical miles.
- The sustenance and reach, that is developed with the latest equipment and systems, provides her the capability to perform the role of a command platform and undertake tasks to fulfill the ICG charter.
- It is designed to carry a twin-engine helicopter and four high speed boats and one inflatable boat for swift boarding and search & rescue operations. It is also capable of carrying limited pollution response equipment to undertake oil spill pollution response at sea.
- It is projection of will and commitment of ICG ‘to be ever vigilant for serving and protecting’ the maritime interest of the Nation.
Features of the IBs C-450 and C-451
- The IBs C-450 and C-451 are indigenously designed & built by Larsen & Toubro Shipyard Hazira, and fitted with latest navigation and communication equipment.
- The two 30 metre long boats are capable of achieving speeds in excess of 45 knots and designed for high speed interception, close coast patrol and low intensity maritime operations.
- The quick response capability of the IBs makes it an ideal platform to respond and thwart any emerging maritime situation.
The ICGS Sachet is being commanded by Deputy Inspector General Rajesh Mittal and manned by 11 Officers and 110 men while the both IBs are commanded by Assistant Commandant Gaurav Kumar Gola and Assistant Commandant Akin Zutshi.
Following the commissioning of these ships, the ICG has reached a milestone in handling 150 ships & Boats and 62 aircraft. Further, 40 ships are in various stages of construction at different Indian Shipyards and 16 advanced light helicopters are under production at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bengaluru. Those ships, too, will provide strength to the surveillance capabilities of ICG to deal with the ever-dynamic maritime challenges.
The ICG has to its credit of saving about 400 lives at sea, 4,500 lives as part of assistance rendered to civil authorities and undertook 32 medical evacuations in the year 2019 alone. The deterrence created by the ICG is not limited to the Indian waters, but collaboration with friendly littoral states as per provisions of bilateral cooperation agreements resulted in successful apprehension and seizure of drugs in Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The real time information sharing, close coordination and understanding between ICG and other international agencies has been the key success of these operations. Hawk eye vigil of the Indian EEZ has ensured seizure of Rs 2,000 crore contraband, detainment of 30 foreign fishing vessels with 119 miscreants for fishing illegally in Indian waters during the same period.