Construction of the fourth of the six next generation offshore patrol vessels being built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has begun and a formal ceremony for the same was held in Mumbai on Thursday. Equipped with modern machinery and state-of-the-art systems, the ship is being indigenously designed, developed and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in line with the Government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat scheme.
The Defense Ministry said that this initiative represents a significant achievement in the ICG’s continued efforts to enhance its operational capabilities and strengthen coastal security, which will also strengthen the country’s strategic autonomy.
Construction of fourth offshore patrol vessel begins
The ministry said in a statement that a formal ceremony marking the start of construction of the fourth of the six next generation offshore patrol vessels was held in Mumbai on Thursday. Senior officials of ICG and MDL participated in the ceremony. According to the statement, the contract process for the construction of these six next generation offshore patrol vessels was completed on December 20, 2023.
laying ceremony of ship’s hull
The keel-laying ceremony of Yard 16404, the fourth of six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), was held at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai on Thursday. The ceremony was presided over by senior officers of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and MDL. The contract for the manufacture of six next generation OPVs was signed on 20 December 2023.
ICG’s role in protecting maritime interests further strengthened
This ship will have modern machinery and other systems. In line with the Government of India’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, the ship is being indigenously designed, developed and manufactured by MDL. This project underlines India’s commitment towards self-reliance in defense production and will significantly contribute to strengthening the country’s strategic autonomy.
This initiative is an important milestone in ICG’s ongoing efforts to enhance its operational capabilities and strengthen coastal security. The induction of the new fleet of NGOPV will further strengthen the role of ICG in protecting India’s maritime interests.
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