In a major boost to India’s maritime environmental protection capabilities, Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) launched ‘Samudra Prachet’, the second indigenous Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) designed and built for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
The launch ceremony was held at GSL’s shipyard in Vasco da Gama, Goa, with Smt Priya Paramesh as the ceremonial Chief Guest. The event was presided over by Director General Rakesh Pal, Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, in the presence of senior dignitaries from the Ministry of Defence, Coast Guard, and GSL.
‘Samudra Prachet’ is equipped with state-of-the-art pollution response systems including side-sweeping arms, oil slick detection radar, and onboard oil-water separation and storage facilities, enabling it to respond swiftly to oil spills across India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The vessel can handle and recover oil of any viscosity and is built to operate in severe maritime conditions. Measuring 114.5 meters in length with a displacement of 4,170 tonnes, the vessel will be manned by 14 officers and 115 sailors. Notably, over 72% of its components are indigenously sourced, reinforcing the goals of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
GSL Chairman & Managing Director Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay highlighted the vessel’s strategic importance and its contribution to indigenous shipbuilding. “This achievement reflects the shipyard’s capability to design and construct technologically advanced vessels that meet global standards,” he said.
This marks the completion of the twin-PCV project for the ICG, following the launch of the first vessel, ‘Samudra Pratap’, in August 2024. With ‘Samudra Prachet’ set to join the Coast Guard fleet, India is now better equipped to tackle maritime environmental hazards and enforce pollution control protocols in alignment with international maritime obligations.