MDL commences production of the first Fast Patrol Vessel

New Delhi: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), has initiated production activities for the first Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) under a 14-vessel project for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The occasion was marked by a plate-cutting ceremony held on Thursday which was attended by senior ICG officials and MDL’s Director (Shipbuilding) Biju George.

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The FPV project, valued at Rs 1,070.47 crore, encompasses the design, construction, and delivery of 14 high-speed vessels equipped with advanced waterjet propulsion systems and high-speed diesel engines. Each vessel is designed to achieve speeds exceeding 33 knots and will be classified under dual-class standards by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).

These FPVs are engineered as high-speed craft to enhance coastal patrolling and fisheries protection capabilities. They will also feature small high-speed boats for search and rescue operations in shallow waters. Additionally, the vessels are designed to seamlessly transition to wartime roles, such as providing communication links, escorting coastal convoys, offering logistical support, facilitating medical evacuations, and supplementing Indian naval operations.

The first FPV is slated for delivery in March 2026, signaling a significant boost to India’s coastal security infrastructure.

In a parallel development, MDL also commenced plate-cutting activities for the second ship in its Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) project. This six-vessel project, valued at Rs 1,614.89 crore, began with the initial plate cutting on May 31, 2024.

Designed under Class HSC (High-Speed Craft) rules, these NGOPVs will be powered by twin controllable pitch propellers driven by 9,000 kW engines, enabling speeds exceeding 23 knots. The vessels will also be dual-class certified by ABS and IRS. Their primary functions include coastal and offshore patrolling, fisheries protection, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, ocean surveillance, and monitoring Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs). They are also equipped for search and rescue missions.

The first NGOPV is scheduled for delivery in July 2027, followed by the second in December 2027.

The initiation of these projects underscores MDL’s pivotal role in enhancing India’s maritime security capabilities. With a proven track record in delivering complex naval platforms, MDL continues to contribute significantly to the nation’s defence ecosystem and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision.

These vessels are expected to strengthen the operational readiness of the Indian Coast Guard, ensuring enhanced maritime security and surveillance across India’s extensive coastline and exclusive economic zones.

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