VASCO
In a landmark achievement, Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) on Friday launched two state-of-the-art Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) ” ICGS Ajit and ICGS Aparajit ” for the Indian Coast Guard at a ceremony in its Vasco yard.
The vessels were launched by Manju Sharma in the presence of Dr Mayank Sharma, Financial Advisor (Defence Services), who graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, Ministry of Defence, and GSL.
The twin launches mark the completion of a series of eight FPVs indigenously designed and built by GSL under the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
The ships ” seventh and eighth in the series ” stand as a testament to India’s growing self-reliance in defence production and GSL’s commitment to the Make in India vision.
Each vessel measures 52 metres in length and displaces 320 tonnes. They are equipped with Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) ” a first for this class of ships in India ” ensuring superior manoeuvrability and propulsion efficiency.
Designed to meet the Coast Guard’s operational requirements, the FPVs are capable of carrying out diverse missions including coastal surveillance, fisheries protection, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, and search and rescue operations.
GSL officials said the successful launch of ICGS Ajit and ICGS Aparajit represents yet another proud chapter in the shipyard’s legacy of shipbuilding excellence.
“With these launches, GSL reaffirms its pivotal role in strengthening India’s maritime security and contributing to the nation’s blue economy,” a senior official stated.
