Integrated Coast Guard Systems commissions new patrol vessel

Kolkata, Feb 15 (ANI): The Integrated Coast Guard Systems (ICGS) commissioned new Inshore Petrol Vessel, Rajshree here on Wednesday.

The ship has been commissioned as the first vessel of the series of eight ships that would become part of the fleet of the Coast Guard ships.

The vessel was commissioned by Vice Admiral M P Murlidharan, the Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, in the presence of several coast guard officials.

While talking to mediapersons, Murlidharan said the induction of this ship into the forces would herald a new chapter in the field of maritime security in India.

"The Coast Guard, over the last two to three years, has been enhancing its capacity, increasing the number of vessels, both surface as well the aircraft that we have. Rajshree is part of the plan of the number of Inshore Petrol Vessel (IPVs) that have been ordered in the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE). She is the first of the vessels we have commissioned. And every force we have will go a long way in enhancing our maritime security," said Murlidharan.

The ship, weighing 300 tones, has a nautical speed of 34 nautical miles and is capable to effectively operate during the day as well as in night.

According to Defence Ministry's Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), T. K. Singha, eight such IPVs are to be constructed within the GRSE.

"This is the first one here. Its speciality is that it is about 50 meters long. It has a splendid MTU engine. Along with it, the propulsion system in the backside runs by water jet, which will facilitate fast speed, easy manoeuvrability, and also a maximum speed of 65 kilometres per hour. It can easily overtake any suspect vessel in the sea and catch it," said Singha.

The ship also has 30mm CRN 91 gun and has the capability to undertake search and rescue operations.

The ship is expected to help the Coast Guard combat sea piracy and smuggling, which posed serious problems in India's territorial waters. (ANI)