Goa Shipyard launches indigenous pollution control vessel ‘Samudra Pratap’
Goa Shipyard (GSL) has reached a significant milestone in defense manufacturing by successfully launching the first of two indigenous Pollution Control Vessels (PCVs) for the Indian Coast Guard. Known as ‘Samudra Pratap,’ this vessel is a testament to Indian engineering excellence and innovation in safeguarding maritime environments. The launch event, held on August 29, 2024, was attended by distinguished guests such as Sanjay Seth, Minister of State Defence, as well as high-ranking officials from the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy.
The launch of ‘Samudra Pratap’ signifies a significant milestone as it is the inaugural instance of these ships being solely designed and built locally. The partnership between GSL and the Indian Coast Guard has been pivotal in transforming the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision into a tangible achievement. With a domestic content of 72%, this vessel highlights India’s increasing prowess in shipbuilding and technological progress.
“The construction of the ship ‘Samudra Pratap’ required a high level of precision and expertise. Designed internally by GSL, the vessel measures 114.5 meters in length, 16.5 meters in breadth, and has a displacement of 4,170 tons. The ship will be operated by a crew of 14 officers and 115 sailors and is equipped with cutting-edge technology for pollution control. Notably, it includes side-sweeping arms for containing oil spills while in motion, an advanced radar system for detecting oil spills, and facilities for recovering and storing various types of oil.”
In his speech, Seth emphasized the importance of this project not only for GSL, but for the entire nation. The vessel is a crucial addition to the Indian Coast Guard’s fleet, enhancing its capacity to manage oil spill response operations in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and beyond. He praised the collaboration between GSL and the Indian Coast Guard, which has led to the construction of 18 out of the 25 Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) currently in use by the Coast Guard.
GSL’s CMD, Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, pointed out that this project demonstrates India’s dedication to preserving the marine environment. He expressed confidence that this partnership will continue to strengthen the Indian Coast Guard’s fleet, ensuring that India maintains its leadership role in maritime environmental protection.
The introduction of ‘Samudra Pratap’ underscores GSL’s expertise in constructing sophisticated vessels for the Indian defense forces. This accomplishment signifies a major milestone in GSL’s trajectory and makes a significant contribution to India’s objective of fostering self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing. The project has also played a key role in enhancing skills and generating employment opportunities in the local industry and MSMEs, thereby bolstering the country’s economic development.
As GSL continues to push boundaries and enhance its capacities, the launch of ‘Samudra Pratap’ elevates the shipyard to one of India’s leading facilities capable of manufacturing advanced Pollution Control Vessels. This milestone is a source of pride for India, showcasing its increasing prowess in domestic shipbuilding and marine environmental protection.
