Indian Coast Guard’s sixth 105m OPV commissioned

The Indian Coast Guard’s sixth 105m-long offshore patrol vessel (OPV), ICGS Sujay, was commissioned at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).

Constructed by GSL, the OPV is manned by 12 officers and 94 men, and will join the Coast Guard fleet at Paradip in the Indian state of Odisha.

The ship, which will enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s operational capability, will be under the operational and administrative control of Commander Coast Guard Region (North-East).

Designed to perform the role of a command platform, it will be deployed to conduct a range of duties with the coast guard and EEZ surveillance to protect the country’s maritime interests.

The vessel is powered by two 9,100kW diesel engines to cruise at a maximum speed of 23k and has an endurance of 6,000nm.

The OPV is fitted 30mm CRN 91 naval gun, integrated bridge system (IBS), integrated machinery control system (IMCS), power management system (PMS) and high power external firefighting system.

Capable of carrying one twin engine light helicopter, the OPV can also carry five high-speed boats including two quick reaction inflatable boats for swift boarding operations, search and rescue, law enforcement and maritime patrol.

In addition, the ship can be used to carry pollution response equipment to contain oil spill at sea.

The Indian Coast Guard has a fleet of 134 ships and boats. Currently, about 66 ships and boats are at different stages of construction.