GRSE launches 3rd next-generation offshore patrol vessel for Indian Navy

New Delhi: The Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) has launched ‘Shreyas’, the third of four Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) being built by the defence public sector undertaking for the Indian Navy, marking three launches under the programme in less than five months.

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The launch follows that of ‘Shruti’, the second vessel in the series, on August 11, while the first vessel, ‘Sanghmitra’, was launched on May 20. The launches reflect GRSE’s progress in executing its part of the Indian Navy’s 11-vessel NGOPV programme.

‘Shreyas’ was formally launched by Reyman Kochhar, wife of Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, in the presence of senior officials from GRSE and the Indian Navy. Vice Admiral Kochhar attended the ceremony as the chief guest.

The NGOPVs are designed to offer greater endurance, firepower and operational versatility than earlier offshore patrol vessels. Each vessel measures approximately 113 metres in length and 14.6 metres in width, with a displacement of 3,000 tonnes. The vessels will be capable of achieving speeds of up to 23 knots and have an endurance of 8,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 14 knots.

The vessels are intended for a wide range of maritime security and operational roles, including coastal and offshore asset protection, maritime interdiction, surveillance, visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS), mine warfare and special operations. Their planned deployment also covers anti-piracy missions, counter-infiltration, out-of-area contingency operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, search and rescue, and hospital support.

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Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar congratulated GRSE on launching three NGOPVs in approximately five months and commended the shipyard’s execution capabilities and indigenous shipbuilding efforts. He also highlighted GRSE’s record of delivering more than 100 ships and its growing international presence, expressing confidence in the successful completion of ‘Shreyas’.

GRSE Chairman and Managing Director Cmde PR Hari (Retd.) said the shipyard had transformed into a vibrant shipbuilding organisation with a strong project execution record, reflected in its series of vessel launches and deliveries.

GRSE is currently building nine warships, including an advanced guided-missile frigate under the Indian Navy’s Project 17A, four Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW-SWCs) and four NGOPVs.

In addition to these warships, the company is constructing 32 other platforms, including 13 ships for export. The shipyard is also in the advanced stages of finalising a contract for the construction of five Next Generation Corvettes for the Indian Navy.

Over the past six decades, GRSE has delivered 118 warships to the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard and friendly foreign nations, establishing itself as one of the country’s leading warship builders.

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