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Indian Coast Guard Commissions Indigenous Pollution Control Vessel Samudra Pratap

The Indian Coast Guard commissioned its first indigenous Pollution Control Vessel, ICGS Samudra Pratap, in a ceremony attended by senior government and defence officials. The ship, built by Goa Shipyard Limited with over 60% indigenous content, is equipped with advanced systems for pollution response, fire-fighting, and maritime surveillance. In a historic first, the vessel's complement includes two women officers appointed to perform duties alongside their male counterparts. Based in Kochi, Samudra Pratap will significantly boost India's capability to ensure safe, secure, and clean seas.

Key Points: Indian Coast Guard Commissions Indigenous Ship Samudra Pratap

  • First of two indigenous PCVs
  • Over 60% indigenous content
  • Maiden appointment of women officers
  • Advanced pollution response systems
  • Enhances maritime safety & surveillance
3 min read

Indian Coast Guard Commissions indigenous pollution control vessel Samudra Pratap with maiden appointment of women officers

India commissions its largest indigenous pollution control vessel, Samudra Pratap, featuring the maiden appointment of women officers in a landmark step.

"The commissioning marks a significant step forward in India's pursuit of Atmanirbharat in shipbuilding - Official Release"

New Delhi, January 5

The Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Pratap, the first of two Pollution Control Vessels built by Goa Shipyard Limited, was commissioned today by Rajnath Singh, Raksha Mantri, Government of India, in the presence of Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, Rajesh Kumar Singh, IAS, Defence Secretary and Director General Paramesh Sivamani, AVSM, PTM, TM, Director General Indian Coast Guard, and senior dignitaries from the Central and State Governments, the release said.

The commissioning marks a significant step forward in India's pursuit of Atmanirbharat in shipbuilding and maritime capability development.

According to the release, Samudra Pratap, meaning "Majesty of the Seas," reflects the Indian Coast Guard's resolve to ensure safe, secure, and clean seas while safeguarding the nation's maritime interests. The ship represents a major advancement in indigenous ship design and construction. ICGS Samudra Pratap has been conceived, designed, and built entirely in India, with over 60 per cent indigenous content. Measuring 114.5 meters in length and 16.5 meters in beam, the ship can achieve speeds exceeding 22 knots and is equipped with advanced automation and computerised control systems, underscoring India's growing capability in complex shipbuilding.

Displacing approximately 4,200 tons, the ship is powered by two 7,500 kW diesel engines, driving indigenously developed Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPPs) and gearboxes, offering superior manoeuvrability and a 6,000 nautical mile endurance. The vessel's primary role is pollution response at sea, supported by state-of-the-art systems, including side-sweeping arms, floating booms, high-capacity skimmers, portable barges, and a pollution-control laboratory. The ship is also fitted with an External Fire Fighting System (Fi-Fi Class 1). It integrates advanced systems, including Dynamic Positioning (DP), Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), and Automated Power Management System (APMS), to enhance automation and mission efficiency. Its armament includes a 30 mm CRN-91 gun and two 12.7 mm Stabilised Remote-Controlled Guns (SRCG), supported by modern fire-control systems.

Based at Kochi under the operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (West), through Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 4 (Kerala & Mahe), the ship will undertake pollution response, maritime surveillance, and other charter of duties to safeguard India's maritime interests. Commanded by Deputy Inspector General Ashok Kumar Bhama, the ship has a complement of 14 officers and 115 personnel. The complement includes the maiden appointment of two women Officers, who will be performing duties shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts.

The addition of ICGS Samudra Pratap will significantly enhance the Indian Coast Guard's operational capability in pollution control, fire-fighting, maritime safety, and environmental protection. It will also strengthen the Service's ability to conduct extended surveillance and response missions across India's vast maritime zones.

As the largest and most advanced Pollution Control Vessel built in India, ICGS Samudra Pratap stands as a testament to the nation's shipbuilding excellence and long-term vision for a cleaner, safer, and self-reliant maritime future.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is fantastic news on two fronts! First, a powerful vessel to protect our seas from pollution. Second, and equally important, the maiden appointment of women officers! A great step for gender equality in our armed forces. More power to them!
R
Rohit P
Excellent development. Our coastline needs robust protection, not just from security threats but from environmental ones too. Oil spills can devastate marine life and our fishermen's livelihoods. Well done, Goa Shipyard and the Coast Guard!
S
Sarah B
As someone who loves visiting Goa and Kerala, I'm thrilled to hear about this. Protecting the marine environment is crucial for tourism and local communities. The technical specs are impressive – a true feat of engineering.
V
Vikram M
A welcome step, but we need many more such vessels. Our Exclusive Economic Zone is massive. While celebrating this achievement, the government must ensure consistent funding and a faster build rate for the Coast Guard's fleet. One ship is a start, not the finish line.
K
Kavya N
Heartening to see the focus on pollution control. Our oceans are a treasure. The inclusion of women officers makes this news even sweeter. They will inspire so many young girls to dream big. 👏

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