GSL launches 3rd coast guard offshore patrol vessel ‘Sajag’

Vasco/Goa: The 3rd Vessel of the indigenous project for five offshore patrol vessels for Indian Coast Guard was ceremoniously launched on November 14, at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) by Vijaya Shripad Naik, wife of Raksha Rajya Mantri Shripad Yesso Naik. Vijaya Shripad Naik performed the launching rituals and named the vessel as 'Sajag'.

The Vessel was launched with much fanfare at GSL in the distinguished presence of Secretary (Defence Production) Subhash Chandra (IAS), Director General (Coast Guard) DG K Natarajan (PTM, TM) Flag Officer Goa Area RAdm Philipose G Pynumootil (NM), GSL's CMD Commodore BB Nagpal, NM (Retd) and various other senior dignitaries.

The ongoing shipbuilding project for five offshore patrol vessels is one of the biggest orders being executed by GSL for the Indian Coast Guard. This indigenous Project was launched by the Prime Minister on November 13 2016. It is creditable for the shipyard to complete the 100 percent hull construction and bring the vessel to the advanced stage of outfitting for delivery in October 2020. Entirely designed in-house by the professionals of GSL, these OPVs will form a formidable part of the coast guard fleet and will be used for protection of exclusive economic zone of territorial waters. These vessels will be fitted with most modern and technologically advanced machinery and computerised controls systems, making them the most advanced patrol vessels in service with the Indian Coast Guard. These 2,400-tonne vessels will be equipped with features like quick response boats for rescue and anti-piracy, gunnery simulators and many more advanced features. The hull would be the most efficient form designed by GSL and would provide for fuel efficiency, crew comfort and excellent sea keeping qualities.

Recognising the excellent efforts and achievements of Goa Shipyard, Raksha Rajya Mantri Shripad Yesso Naik congratulated the personnel of Goa Shipyard and Coast Guard for the launching of the Vessel. He acknowledged the tremendous contribution of Goa Shipyard in indigenous shipbuilding, catering to the acquisition requirements of the Indian maritime forces.

Speaking on the occasion DGCG K Natarajan also praised GSL for its professionalism in persistent delivery of quality ships, within the contractual delivery timelines. He lauded the bonhomie and partnership between the coast guard and GSL in design and construction of the significant number of vessels for the Indian Coast Guard.

On this occasion, Cmde BB Nagpal said "In line with the Shipyard's tradition of delivering on time, we are confident to deliver the 3rd Vessel, launched today, as per the contractual schedule. Our endeavour has been to maximise the indigenous content on these ships and I am happy to state that 70 percent indigenisation has been achieved for these ships."

Disclaimer: This story is a press release and is being published without any editing by PSU Watch desk. Our editorial team has only changed the headline.

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