Indian Register of Shipping backs launch of indigenous Coast Guard vessels

The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), a leading ship classification society, has congratulated the Indian Coast Guard and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) on the successful launch of two new vessels—the Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) ICGS Samudra Prachet and the Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) ICGS Atal. The milestone reinforces India’s maritime security, environmental protection, and self-reliance in shipbuilding.

ICGS Samudra Prachet, the second in a series of two indigenous PCVs built by GSL, is designed for rapid response to marine pollution incidents, particularly oil spills, within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). IRS worked closely with GSL, providing high-quality classification services to ensure the vessel meets stringent safety, quality, and environmental standards.

ICGS Atal is the sixth of eight indigenously designed FPVs under construction for the Coast Guard. Designed in-house by GSL and classed by IRS, the 52-metre, 320-tonne vessel is built for multi-role operations, including coastal patrol, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, island protection, and search and rescue missions.

These projects represent a significant boost to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by advancing India’s capability to build specialised maritime assets. In a parallel development, the keel for the first of six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard was recently laid at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders. The NGOPVs will offer advanced capabilities for maritime surveillance, pollution control, search and rescue, and anti-smuggling operations across the EEZ.