From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiwold Media Network - Goa

Goa, Nov 29:  Close on the heels of successful Commissioning of first new class CG OPV “ICGS Samarth”, on 10 Nov 15 and unslipping of Sri Lankan OPV on 25 Nov 2015, Goa Shipyard ceremoniously launched the fourth of the series of Six OPVs, designed in-house and built by GSL, for the Indian Coast Guard on November 27 in Goa. 

This 105 meter new generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) was launched by Surina Rajan, Additional Secretary, Defence Production, Govt of India in presence of Shri Carlos Almeida, MLA Vasco, IG S K Goyal, DDG (M&M), ICG, Rear Admiral Shekhar Mital, NM, IN (Retd) CMD, GSL, RAdm De Silva, Sri Lankan Navy and many other senior dignitaries from Government, Navy and Coast Guard.

Addressing the gathering, Surina Rajan, Addl Secretary, Defence Production, Govt of India said “GSL has steadily built up the requisite expertise and skill in undertaking complex shipbuilding projects, thus establishing for itself a niche in the shipbuilding industry”.

While complementing GSL for all round improvement in the performance IG S K Goyal, DDG (M&M), ICG said, “The launching of the fourth vessel will be another major milestone towards our goal of having adequate number of such ships in our inventory. Once inducted, the vessel would be tasked for performing the Coast Guard Charter and this would include the crucial functions of coastal security.”

Speaking on the occasion, Radm Shekhar Mital, NM, IN (Retd) CMD, GSL said that the launch of four AOPVs in last one year is a major feat for GSL and unparalleled in the history of Indian shipbuilding and this has been made possible only due to innate  capabilities of GSL and it’s very committed work force, both officers and employees.  He passed the full credit to GSL employees and assured that all ships will be delivered by GSL on time, as per the contractual schedule.

CMD further said that, "The excellent support that GSL has received from the Government of India, Ministry of Defence and the state government has played a major role in this long and challenging journey.  Our customers, principally the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard have consistently reposed their faith in our abilities which has given GSL the impetus to constantly innovate and progress.."

This new generation OPV is powered by twin diesel engines and is fitted with state-of-the-art Navigation and Communication Equipment. The vessel carries four boats for boarding party operations.  One 30 mm Gun and two 12.7 mm Guns with associated fire control system, form the main weaponry package.

With this launch, GSL has one commissioning, one un-slipping and one launching,  all three major milestones attained within a span of two weeks.  This reflects the pace and quantum of work that is presently being undertaken at GSL presently.