February 27, 2002

'33'

INDIGENOUSLY DESIGNED FAST PATROL VESSEL LAUNCHED

    The indigenously designed Fast Patrol Vessel was launched in Goa today. Vice-Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral John C. De Silva was the chief guest. Director General Coast Guard, Vice Admiral OP Bansal was present.

    This 48 meter long vessel with a displacement of 260 T has been designed primarily for Patrolling anti-smuggling operations, anti-terrorist operations, fisheries protection and search and Rescue with a minimum endurance of 1500 nautical miles. It can also support Navy during wartime as a coastal convoy escort and a communications link. This 35-Knot vessel is the fastest in its category and completely designed and manufactured by Goa Shipyard.

    The Vessel is fitted with 30 mm gun forward machine guns on port starboard and state-of-the-art Navigation and communication equipment. Options are also available to fit Naval stabilized gun system of various makes with multi-sensor stabilized integrated system as well as night vision devices. For hot pursuit and capture operations requiring high speed and excellent maneuverability, the vessel is powered by three 2720 KW MTU diesel engines.

    The hull structure of the vessel is of lightweight design strong enough to withstand heavy sea condition. General arrangement of the vessel is optimized for long period at sea while performing routine patrolling and other assigned functions. Fully air-conditioned accommodation is provided for 35 men on board. The vessel is stable in all likely sea condition without ballasting and has sufficient stability to survive two-compartment damage.

    Goa Shipyard Ltd. has overcome many physical constraints and recession in the shipbuilding Industry and has evolved successfully by using its optimum resources in its core competency area of manufacturing ship for the Defence needs of the country. It has built a total of 1666 vessels which include Barges, Tugs, Landing Craft Utility (LCUs) Torpedo Recovery Vessel, Survey Craft, SDB, OPSSV, Ferry Craft, Oiler, Hydrographic Vessel, Sail Training Ships Offshore Patrol Vessel, Missile Craft, Extra fast attack aircraft and Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel. Recently, one Damage Control Simulator and 2 Double Boom level luffing cranes used for heavy lifting at Jetty’s have also been constructed.

    Goa Shipyard Ltd. is in the process of modernizing the yard to adapt the latest technology in shipbuilding and is negotiating with world class shipbuilders for collaborative arrangement. For this purpose talks are already in progress for undertaking indigenous construction of Mine Counter Measure Vessels, Landing Craft Utility (ACVs) and Pollution Control Vessels.