Goa, Jan 6: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday commissioned ICGS Samudra Pratap the first of two Pollution Control Vessels (PCVs) being built in Goa, at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) marking a significant boost to the Indian Coast Guard’s pollution response, maritime safety and coastal security capabilities.
Describing the induction as a major addition to India’s maritime preparedness, Singh said the commissioning of the vessel would strengthen the Coast Guard and enhance national confidence at sea.
“The commissioning of this ship will increase our strength. When this ship moves ahead against the waves, it will also strengthen the self-confidence of our Coast Guard and the nation,” the defence minister said while addressing the gathering.
Built entirely in India with over 60 per cent indigenous content, Samudra Pratap is the largest and most technologically advanced pollution control vessel constructed for the Indian Coast Guard to date, reinforcing the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
While primarily designed for marine pollution response, the vessel is also capable of undertaking search and rescue operations, coastal patrols and maritime security missions. Singh said multiple capabilities had been integrated into the ship to meet contemporary maritime challenges.
“Many capabilities have been integrated into this ship, which reflects the demands of today’s maritime challenges,” he added.
The vessel measures 114.5 metres in length with a beam of 16.5 metres and a displacement of 4,200 tonnes. It is powered by two 7,500 kW diesel engines driving indigenously developed controllable pitch propellers, enabling speeds of over 22 knots and an endurance of around 6,000 nautical miles.
For pollution response, Samudra Pratap is equipped with side-sweeping arms, floating booms, high-capacity oil recovery systems, advanced skimmers, a pollution control laboratory and portable barges for oil spill containment and recovery. It also features an external fire-fighting system to respond to emergencies on ships and offshore installations.
Modern systems such as Dynamic Positioning, Integrated Bridge, Integrated Platform Management and Automated Power Management Systems enhance the vessel’s operational efficiency. For maritime security, it is armed with a 30 mm CRN-91 gun and two 12.7 mm stabilised remotely operated guns.
Construction of the vessel began in February 2022, with the keel laid in November 2022 at GSL’s Vasco da Gama facility.
Commanded by Deputy Inspector General Ashok Kumar Bhama, Samudra Pratap has a complement of 14 officers and 115 personnel, including two women officers on their maiden assignment aboard a Coast Guard ship. The vessel will be based at Kochi and operate under the control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (West), through Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 4.
During the event, Singh also praised Goa Shipyard Limited and other Indian shipyards for their contribution to strengthening the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, describing indigenously built ships as symbols of India’s sovereignty, capability and resolve on the high seas.
“Ships built by Indian shipyards symbolise India’s sovereignty, presence, capability and determination on the high seas,” he said, adding that such platforms are crucial for protecting India’s maritime interests and ensuring readiness to face challenges at sea.
