New Delhi: (Defence News) 'ICGS Kanaklata Barua', the vessel built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), a Miniratna Defence PSU, in the series of five Fast Patrol Vessels (FPV) for the Indian Coast has been commissioned on Wednesday. GRSE had delivered this ship to the Indian Coast Guard on Jun 9, taking the record delivery count of the organization to 105 warships. The Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), ICGS Kanaklata Barua was commissioned at GRSE FOJ Unit through video conferencing mode by the Additional Secretary of Ministry of Defence (MoD) Jiwesh Nandan (IAS). The senior dignitaries including GRSE's Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) Rear Admiral VK Saxena, IN (Retd); Director (Shipbuilding) Cmde Sanjeev Nayyar IN (Retd); Director (Personnel) Cmde. PR Hari, IN (Retd) and Director (Finance), RK Dash and other senior officials of the Indian Coast Guard and GRSE attended the ceremony.
The FPVs are medium-range surface vessels with a length of 50 m, a width of 7.5 m and displacement of around 308 T and are proficient at operating in the maritime zones of India. These powerful, fuel-efficient platforms are designed to perform multipurpose operations like patrolling, anti-smuggling, anti-poaching, and rescue operations. The vessels are designed for a maximum speed of 34 knots with an endurance of more than 1,500 nautical miles. It is equipped with three main engines of MTU make and built up at GRSE with advanced control systems, 'Water Jet' units and an 'Integrated Bridge System' integrating all communication and navigation systems. The ship is also fitted with 40/60 gun as the main armament and will also have improved habitability features with fully air-conditioned modular accommodation for 35 personnel. The entire design of these FPVs has been developed In-House by GRSE as per requirements specified by the Indian Coast Guard.
Over the years, GRSE has established capabilities for In-House Design and Shipbuilding and has made significant contributions to the Indigenous Warship construction program in India. The Design R&D Unit of GRSE has been recognized for its competence by Dept. of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science & Technology, and Govt. of India.
Celebrating the "Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan", a state-of-the-art Modern Hull Block Complex and Indigenous Underwater CNC Plasma Cutting Facility was virtually inaugurated by the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Rajabagan Dockyard unit of GRSE, to augment the existing infrastructure at the main unit of the shipyard.
GRSE enjoys a deep pool of revenue-generating projects with its order book position of Rs. 26,544 crore as on March 31, 2020.
GRSE strategies revolve around shifting to smart manufacturing (Industry 4.0), with marked innovations in automation, robotics and the industrial internet of things. Introducing Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Interoperability and secured connectivity enabling real-time monitoring, control and optimization of processes, resources and systems shall enable workload consolidation across Design, Production & Supply Chain Management, significantly in the future.
GRSE continues to strive towards AatmaNirbharta or self-sufficiency in all its future projects, focused on its core verticals of shipbuilding, engineering and engine production.
(PSU Watch– India's Business News centre that places the spotlight on PSUs, Bureaucracy, Defence and Public Policy is now on Telegram. Join PSU Watch Channel in your Telegram and stay updated)