New Delhi: Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) has handed over ICGS Ajit, a 51.43-metre fast patrol vessel, to the Indian Coast Guard, strengthening the force’s capabilities for coastal surveillance, maritime security and search and rescue operations.
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The vessel, designated Yard 1277, has been formally handed over on Tuesday following the First Reading Ceremony. The ceremony was attended by GSL Chairman and Managing Director Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, Director (Operations) RAdm Nelson D’Souza, Director (Finance) Jahangeer Alam Ansari, Director (CPP&BD) Nagesh Das Pai and senior officials of GSL and the Indian Coast Guard.
Built with more than 65 percent indigenous content, ICGS Ajit reflects the growing role of domestic shipbuilding capabilities in meeting India’s defence requirements and the government’s focus on defence indigenisation.
The 330-tonne vessel has a length of 51.43 metres and a beam of 8 metres, with a draught of 2.5 metres. It is powered by twin marine diesel engines coupled with controllable pitch propellers, a first-of-its-kind feature in this class of fast patrol vessels, aimed at improving propulsion efficiency and operational performance.
ICGS Ajit can attain a top speed of more than 27 knots and has an endurance of 1,500 nautical miles. It is equipped with an integrated machinery control system designed to improve operational readiness, efficiency and sustainability.
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The vessel will be operated by a crew of six officers and 35 sailors. Its operational roles include fisheries protection, surveillance of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone, coastal patrolling, anti-smuggling and anti-piracy operations, besides search and rescue missions.
The induction of ICGS Ajit is expected to enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s ability to monitor and secure India’s coastal and offshore areas. It also adds to the fleet of indigenously built platforms supporting the country’s maritime security architecture.
The handover marks another milestone for GSL in delivering specialised vessels to India’s defence forces and comes amid the government’s efforts to expand indigenous shipbuilding capacity. The company said its continued focus on technology, innovation and indigenisation is aimed at supporting India’s ambition to emerge as a global shipbuilding hub under the Make in India initiative.
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