New Delhi, October 30
The Keel Laying of second Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) and Plate Cutting of fifth FPV under the 14 FPV Project for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) took place at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai today. In addition, the Girder Laying Ceremonies for the second & third indigenously built Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) for ICG was held at Chowgule’s Rassaim Yard, Goa.
The contract for design and construction of 14 FPVs with an indigenous content of 60% was inked on January 24, 2024. Each FPV is equipped with indigenously built gearboxes by M/s Triveni, Mysore, and water jets by M/s MJP India. These water-jet propelled vessels have an approximate displacement of 340 tons and are designed for coastal security, search & rescue and law enforcement operations. The vessels will also feature state-of-the-art machinery, including AI-based predictive maintenance systems and multipurpose drones, underscoring the integration of advanced technologies into India’s maritime defence capabilities.
The contract for six ACVs, signed on October 24, 2024 are based on the proven Griffon Hoverwork (UK) design, with over 50% indigenous content. Capable of high-speed patrolling, reconnaissance, interception, interdiction and all-weather search & rescue operations, the ACVs will serve as agile force multipliers ensuring swift response and seamless mobility across shallow waters, marshes and open seas. Once commissioned, they will represent a technological leap in India’s coastal security infrastructure.
The FPVs and ACVs are being built in consonance with the nation’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and will greatly augment the ICG’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
