Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sachet and two interceptor boats (IBs) C-450 and C-451 in Goa via video conference.
Commissioning of these ships is an important milestone in India’s coastal capability building process. The move is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)’.
The ICGS Sachet, the first in the series of five offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) has been designed and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). It is fitted with state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment.
Sachet is 105 metre long. It displaces approximately 2,350 tons and is propelled by two 9,100 KW diesel engines designed to attain a maximum speed of 26 knots, with an endurance of 6,000 nautical miles.
The ship has been designed to carry a twin-engine helicopter and four high-speed boats and one inflatable boat for swift boarding and search and rescue operations.
The ship can carry limited pollution response equipment to undertake oil spill pollution response at sea.
IBs C-450 and C-451:
The IBs C-450 and C-451 are indigenously designed and built by Larsen & Toubro Shipyard Hazira. It is fitted with the latest navigation and communication equipment.
The 30 metre longboats are capable of achieving speeds in excess of 45 knots and designed for the high-speed interception, close coast patrol, and low-intensity maritime operations.
The quick response capability of the IBs makes it an ideal platform to respond and thwart any emerging maritime situation.
IBs have about 70% of indigenous content, thus providing the necessary fillip to the Indian shipbuilding industry.
The ships will join the Coast Guard fleet. It will be deployed extensively for Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance, coastal security, and other duties as enshrined in the Coast Guard charter of duties, to safeguard the maritime interests of the Nation.
