Ninth patrol vessel launched for Indian Coast Guard

Cochin Shipyard (CSL) has launched the ninth of the 20 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPV) intended for Indian Coast Guard (ICG), which was followed by the keel laying for tenth FPV BY – 510.

The launch of the vessel comes in the wake of the delivery of the sixth vessel, CGS AGRIM, to the Coast Guard on 30 May 2014.

Being built as part of $338m contract awarded in October 2010, the FPVs are capable of conducting missions including anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, fisheries protection, search and rescue (SAR), exclusive economic zone (EEZ) surveillance, and coastal patrol.

Additionally, the FPVs can also be deployed as communication and escort platforms during hostile and wartime conditions while operating in Indian coastal waters and adjacent island territories.

The OPVs are armed with gyro-stabilised 30mm naval gun system, can cruise at a maximum speed of 33k, while offering an endurance of 1,500nm at economical speed of 13k.

Integrating bridge management system and integrated machinery control system (IMCS), the OPVs also feature VisionMaster Total Watch multifunction displays (MFDs), electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS), auto-pilot, magnetic compass and NAVIGAT 3000 fibre optic gyrocompass.

During the last six months, Cochin Shipyard has delivered seven vessels, with plans to deliver the remaining FPVs to Coast Guard.