Coast Guard offshore patrol vessel launched at L&T Shipyard in Chennai. The length of the OPVs is 98 metre and breadth is 14.8 metre with gross tonnage of 2100 ton

CHENNAI: An indigenously designed Coast Guard offshore patrol vessel (OPV) was launched at L&T Shipyard in Kattupalli here on Tuesday. 

The OPV is the third of series of the seven offshore patrol vessels under construction by L&T Shipbuilding Ltd against a contract signed between the defence ministry and L&T shipyard on March 30, 2015.

It is likely to be inducted into Indian Coast Guard on March 19 after completion of extensive trials on fitted equipment and machinery.

The length of the OPVs is 98 metre and breadth is 14.8 metre with gross tonnage of 2100 tonne. The endurance of the vessel is 5000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 12-14 knots. The cruising speed can be raised to a maximum of 26 knots with 100% propulsion.

The ship is fitted with two diesel-powered engines, one 30 mm automatic gun with fire control system (FCS) and two 12.7 mm gun with FCS. It is also equipped with an integral twin engine helicopter which will enhance its operational, surveillance, search and rescue capability, according to a press release.

The OPVs would be utilised for day and night patrol or surveillance along with anti-terrorist and anti-smuggling operations in exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and for coastal security.

The expected life span of the ship is more than 25 years. The ship would be manned by 102 crew, including 14 officers and 88 subordinate officers and enrolled personnel.

Additional Director General K R Nautiyal, Coast Guard Commander (Eastern Seaboard), was the chief guest for the launching ceremony.