COMMISSIONING OF OFF SHORE PATROL VESSEL (OPV) ICGS SHAUNAK

February 21, 2017 Naresh Sagar

 21 FEB 2017

1. Indian Coast Guard Ship “Shaunak” the fourth ship in the series of six Off Shore Patrol Vessels (OPV) was commissioned at Goa by Shri Suresh Prabhu, Hon’ble Minister for Railways on 21 Feb 17 in the presence of Director General Rajendra Singh, PTM, TM, Director General Indian Coast Guard, CMD Goa Shipyard Limited and other senior dignitaries of the Central and State Government. ‘Shaunak’ meaning ‘Wise’ is a projection of Indian Coast Guard’s will and commitment “To serve and protect” the maritime interest of the nation.

2. This 105 meters OPV has been designed and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Ltd and is fitted with state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment, sensors and machineries. The features include 30 mm CRN 91 Naval Gun, Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS), Power Management System (PMS) and High Power External Fire Fighting System. The ship is designed to carry one twin engine Light Helicopter and five high speed boats including two Quick Reaction Inflatable Boats for swift boarding operations, search and rescue, law enforcement and maritime patrol. The ship is also capable of carrying pollution response equipment to contain oil spill at sea.

3. The ship draws 2500 tons(GRT) propelled by two 9100 KW diesel engines to attain a maximum speed of 26 Knots and has an endurance of 6500 NM at economical speed. The sustenance and reach coupled with the latest and modern equipment and systems, provides her the capability to perform the role of a command platform and accomplish all Coast Guard charter of duties.

4. The ship on joining Coast Guard Fleet will be based at Visakhapatnam and deployed extensively for EEZ surveillance and other duties as enshrined in Coast Guard Charter, to safeguard the maritime interests of India. Presently, Indian Coast Guard has a Fleet of 127 Ships/boats, 85 Ships/boats are at various stages of construction at different shipyards. With the commissioning of this vessel and other assets, the Indian Coast Guard will emerge as a stronger and potent force to address the emerging security challenges in maritime zone of India.

5. ICGS Shaunak will be commanded by Deputy Inspector General T Sashi Kumar and manned by 14 Officers & 98 men. The ship will be under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (East).

6. The commissioning of ICGS Shaunak will enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s operational capability to discharge the multifarious maritime tasks. The induction of a sophisticated and state-of-the-art Offshore Patrol Vessel will give a fillip to the maritime protection of our vast coastline of Eastern Seaboard in general and the Maritime States of Eastern Region viz Andhra Pradesh and
   Tamil Nadu in particular.