2 indigenously built Fast Patrol Vessels launched by GSL for Indian Coast Guard

New Delhi: Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) marked another milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence production with the launch of two indigenously designed and constructed Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) – Amulya and Akshay – for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on January 5. The event took place in the presence of Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, who commended the achievement and highlighted its significance for the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

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The two vessels are the third and fourth in a fleet of eight FPVs being built by GSL under a contract signed in March 2022, valued at Rs 473 crore. These vessels exemplify the shipyard’s commitment to delivering state-of-the-art platforms tailored to meet ICG’s operational requirements.

In his address, Sanjeev Kumar lauded the enduring partnership between ICG and GSL, emphasizing that the indigenous content of over 60 percent in these FPVs reflects India’s progress in achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing. He also praised the resilience and innovation demonstrated by GSL’s workforce in overcoming challenges to achieve this significant milestone.

Speaking on the occasion, CMD GSL Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, highlighted the shipyard’s impressive growth trajectory, noting a 100 percent increase in gross revenue, surpassing the Rs 2,000 crore mark. Upadhyay underscored GSL’s modernisation efforts, which were instrumental in the simultaneous launch of the two FPVs using the shipyard’s state-of-the-art ship-lift system – a first in the shipyard’s history. He also noted that Amulya and Akshay represent the first Fast Patrol Vessels in India to be equipped with controllable pitch propellers, showcasing cutting-edge maritime technology.

The FPVs, with a length of 52 meters and a displacement of 320 tonnes, are designed in-house to cater to ICG’s specific operational needs. Their primary roles include fisheries protection, monitoring island territories, exclusive economic zone and coastal patrol, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, and search-and-rescue operations. The vessels will significantly enhance ICG’s capabilities in safeguarding offshore assets and ensuring maritime security.

The launch of Amulya and Akshay follows the earlier launches of the first two FPVs in this series, Adamya and Akshar, in October 2024. The project has also contributed to local economic growth, providing employment opportunities and supporting MSMEs and local industries within GSL’s ecosystem.

Senior officials from the ICG, GSL, and key stakeholders from the defence and maritime sectors attended the event, which underscored the importance of such initiatives in advancing India’s defence manufacturing capabilities and achieving greater self-reliance in critical sectors.

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