Indian Coast Guard Commissions New Fast Patrol Vessel ICGS Achal

The ship was formally commissioned into service by Additional Secretary & DG (Acquisition) in the Ministry of Defence, A. Anbarasu, in the presence of Commander Coast Guard Region (North West) Inspector General Tekur Sashi Kumar, senior officials of the Central and State Governments, and representatives from the Goa Shipyard Limited.

'Achal', meaning 'firm', embodies the Indian Coast Guard's steadfast commitment.

"It signifies our resolve to protect life at sea and secure our maritime frontiers. The commissioning of ICGS Achal is the embodiment of vigilance, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of guardianship over India's maritime domain. Standing resolute, Achal will safeguard national interests and uphold the trust of the people with unshaken dedication," the ICG said in a statement.

Designed and built by M/s Goa Shipyard Limited, this 51-metre vessel represents a new benchmark in Indigenous shipbuilding. With more than 50 per cent indigenous components, Achal underscores India's steady progress toward defence self-reliance and highlights the synergy between the Coast Guard's operational vision and the Centre's Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, according to the officials.

The vessel integrates modern design philosophy focused on efficiency, endurance, and rapid response capability.

The Coast Guard said that the ship is powered by two 3000 kW advanced diesel engines, and delivers a top speed of 27 knots and an operational endurance of 1500 nautical miles, enabling extended missions in India's maritime zones.

Achal consists of indigenously developed Controllable Pitch Propellers and high-precision gearboxes, and offers improved handling characteristics and mission adaptability across sea states.

Additionally, the ship is armed with a 30 mm CRN-91 gun and two 12.7 mm Stabilised Remote-Controlled Guns, supported by advanced target acquisition and fire-control systems.

A suite of integrated technologies, including an Integrated Bridge System, Integrated Machinery Control System, and Automated Power Management System, enhances situational awareness, system reliability, and operational efficiency, the ICG said.

The ship will be stationed at Gujarat's Vadinar under the administrative and operational control of the Commander of Coast Guard Region (North West).

The vessel will undertake a wide range of missions, including surveillance, interdiction, Search and Rescue (SAR), anti-smuggling operations, and pollution response, reinforcing the Indian Coast Guard's role in safeguarding India's eastern maritime frontier.

The ship, commanded by Commandant (JG) Naveen Kumar, has a complement of five officers and 34 personnel trained to operate the vessel's advanced systems and respond to a full spectrum of maritime contingencies.

"The commissioning of ICGS Achal marks another step forward in the Service's ongoing fleet expansion and will contribute substantially towards strengthening coastal security, enhancing operational readiness, and supporting the Indian Coast Guard's charter of responsibilities in the North West Region," the Indian Coast Guard said.

- IANS