Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Sep 22: In a boost to coastal security, the new interceptor boat (V-409) was launched in a ceremony held at Coast Guard yard here on Friday, September 22.

After launching the new interceptor boat, TM of Mangaluru Coast Guard, Pavitran Alokkan said, "Bharathi Defence and Infrastructure Limited (BDIL) has a live order book of various ministry of defence vessels including interceptor boats for ICG and auxiliary vessels for the Indian Navy. The shipyard is committed to delivering these assets to the national security and every effort is being put in to arrange funds and expedite project completion."

The 28-metre long, V-409 interceptor boat has aluminium hull and fitted with new generation of Arneson Surface Drive (ASD) which is propelled by two powerful diesel engines of 1650 KW each. The ship has the capability of attaining very high speed in a very short duration and can operate in shallow waters. This vessel will be inducted into Coast Guard service by mid October 2017 and join four other vessels delivered by the shipyard earlier. The cost of the V-409 is Rs 18 crore.

"BDIL is constructing 20 vessels for Indian Coast Guard; out of twenty, six have already been handed over and balance vessels will be handed over on projected time," Alokkan added.

DIG Athul Parlikar, TM, DIG Tasila, TM of Mangaluru Coast Guard, Pavitran Alokkan, president and head, Shipyard BDIL, Mangaluru Narendra Kumar, TM and chief operations officer (COO) and other officials of Coast Guard and Bharathi Defence and Infrastructure Limited were presented at the launching ceremony.