Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) on September 17 handed over ICGS Akshar (Yard 1276), the second of eight fast patrol vessels being built for the Indian Coast Guard under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. The handing over was marked by the First Reading Ceremony held at the shipyard.
The ceremony was attended by GSL Chairman and Managing Director Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, Director (Operations) RAdm Nelson D’Souza (Retd), DIG V.K. Parmar, PD (MAT), and Commandant (JG) Subhendu Chakraborty, the commanding officer of ICGS Akshar, along with senior Coast Guard officials.
The 51.43-metre-long vessel, with a breadth of 8 metres and displacement of 330 tons, is powered by twin marine diesel engines with controllable pitch propellers — a first in this class of FPVs. Capable of speeds over 27 knots and an endurance of 1,500 nautical miles, it features an advanced integrated machinery control system.
The ship, manned by six officers and 35 sailors, is designed for fisheries protection, EEZ surveillance, coastal patrol, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, and search and rescue missions. Officials said the induction of ICGS Akshar will significantly bolster India’s coastal and offshore security.
GSL stated that the delivery of the vessel underscores its commitment to maritime security and indigenisation under the Make in India programme, while contributing to the nation’s goal of emerging as a global shipbuilding hub.
