Cochin Shipyard launches 14th FPV for Indian Coast Guard

The Indian Coast Guard’s 14th of 20 fast patrol vessels (FPVs), named ICGS Apoorva, has been launched at Cochin Shipyard (CSL), Kochi, India.

The shipyard also marked the start of construction of the fifteenth FPV with a keel laying ceremony as well as delivered the eleventh vessel ICGS Anagh to the coast guard.

Launched in October 2014, ICGS Anagh will be operated from the Coast Guard Station at Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Being built as part of $338m contract awarded in October 2010, the 50m-long and 7.6m-wide FPVs have been designed to carry out missions such as anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, fisheries protection, search and rescue (SAR), exclusive economic zone (EEZ) surveillance, and coastal patrol.

The FPVs are integrated with the latest weaponry and advanced communication and navigational equipments, such as integrated bridge management system (IBMS), integrated machinery control system (IMCS) and an integrated gun mount with indigenous fire control system (FCS).

Powered by water jets to cruise at a speed of 33k, the vessels can be deployed as communication and escort platforms in the event of hostile and wartime situations while operating in Indian coastal waters and neighbouring territoriesalso incorporate equipment.

This year, CSL has delivered six FPVs to the Indian Coast Guard and one offshore support vessel to a Norwegian owner. In the last 17 months, the shipyard has delivered 11 vessels.

On 24 February, the steel cutting ceremony of the 20th ship was held at the shipyard, which is also constructing the indigenous aircraft carrier for the Indian Navy.