GRSE launches two fast patrol vessels for Indian Coast Guard

Vessels ICGS Amrit Kaur and ICGS Kamla Devi are the third and fourth in the series of five FPVs built by GRSE for the Indian Coast Guard
GRSE launches two fast patrol vessels for Indian Coast Guard

Kolkata: Defence PSU and state-owned warship builder has launched two Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) ships for Indian Coast Guard on November 22. These vessels — ICGS Amrit Kaur and ICGS Kamla Devi — are third and fourth in the series of five FPVs built by GRSE for the Indian Coast Guard. The news comes just a few days after GRSE bagged a contract to build four survey vehicles for the Indian Navy, swelling its order book to Rs 22,604 crore. Upholding the best of maritime traditions, the ships were launched by Veena Naravane, wife of Lt General Manoj Mukund Naravane, AVSM, SM, VSM, General Officer Commanding-In-Chief; Eastern Command, Indian Army.

The ceremony was held in the presence of Rear Admiral VK Saxena, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), GRSE, and other senior officials of GRSE, Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, and Indian Army. In a period of over five decades since its inception in 1960, GRSE has successfully developed an array of world-class platforms, including frigates, missile corvettes, anti-submarine warfare corvettes and Landing Craft Utility Ships for the Indian Navy, all of them armed with high-tech infrastructure.

The FPV Ships which were launched on November 22 are each 50m long, 7.5m wide with a displacement of around 308 tons. These ships are designed for a maximum speed of 34 knots with an endurance of more than 1,500 nautical miles.

In a statement released to the media, GRSE said, "With the delivery of 98 warships to its credit, GRSE today is well-positioned to construct large warships harnessing advanced modular shipbuilding technology which is delightfully at par with the best in the world. The enhanced shipbuilding capacity of GRSE has taken the organisation to the level where it can construct 20 ships in tandem. With the keel-laying of the 1st Advanced Stealth Frigate of P17A Project, team GRSE has once again touched a key milestone. No less a feat is the bagging of orders for four Survey Vessels (Large) for the Indian Navy on a competitive basis and emerging a successful bidder through competition for 8 ASWSWCs, with private players active in the fray. The twin triumphs have further boosted the morale of this public sector Defence Shipyard, particularly on its aggressive cost strategies." The FPV Ships which were launched on November 22 are each 50m long, 7.5m wide with a displacement of around 308 tons. These ships are designed for a maximum speed of 34 knots with an endurance of more than 1,500 nautical miles.

The FPV designs which are exclusive to GRSE are an improvisation on the Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPV) built by the Shipyard for the Indian Coast Guard, a few years ago. The vessels come with an efficient hull form developed in-house and proved after extensive model testing. These are fuel-efficient and the powerful platforms are well suited for patrolling, anti-smuggling, anti-poaching and rescue operations. They come fitted with state-of-the-art Main Engines with Advanced Control Systems and Water Jet Units and an 'Integrated Bridge System' assimilating all Communication and Navigation Systems.

INS Kamorta and INS Kadmatt, the first two of Class of 4 ASW Corvettes became the first warships built in the country with indigenously developed warship grade steel, thus having the distinction of achieving over 90 percent indigenous content and hence a major step towards achieving self-reliance in state of art warship design and construction space.

The key armament of a 40/60 Gun and improved habitability features with fully air-conditioned modular accommodation for 35 personnel are the other salient features of the ships. With the launch now over, the company is gearing up for the post-launch activities which include balance fitting out of the ship, readiness of ship systems and setting to work of equipment/systems. Once over, the ships would be put to sea for trials before final delivery.

As part of Make in India initiatives of the government through indigenisation efforts, GRSE has made commendable progress by successfully incorporating a high percentage of indigenous content in the ships made. INS Kamorta and INS Kadmatt, the first two of Class of 4 ASW Corvettes became the first warships built in the country with indigenously developed warship grade steel, thus having the distinction of achieving over 90 percent indigenous content and hence a major step towards achieving self-reliance in state of the art warship design and construction space. Regarding the LCUs class of ships delivered so far, almost 90 percent indigenous equipment fit has been achieved. Interestingly, 70 percent indigenous content in the construction of four Follow On WJFACs and 72 percent indigenisation of the Railless Helo Traversing System on board 3rd ASW Corvette, INS Kiltan, have helped GRSE win the confidence of all stakeholders, the press release said.

logo
PSU Watch
psuwatch.com