Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today commissioned the Indian Coast Guard’s first indigenously designed and built pollution control vessel, Samudra Pratap, at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Vasco, marking a significant milestone in India’s maritime and shipbuilding capabilities.
Samudra Pratap is the first of two Pollution Control Vessels (PCVs) being constructed by GSL for the Indian Coast Guard. Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, Union Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Indian Coast Guard Director General Paramesh Sivamani were present at the commissioning ceremony.
According to the Coast Guard, the induction of Samudra Pratap represents a major boost to India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, showcasing growing self-reliance in advanced ship design and construction.
Addressing the gathering, Rajnath Singh said the commissioning aligns with India’s broader maritime vision. He stressed that marine resources are a shared heritage of humanity and safeguarding them is a collective responsibility, adding that India has emerged as a responsible maritime power.
The Defence Minister also highlighted the government’s focus on women’s participation in the armed forces. He expressed pride in the Indian Coast Guard’s efforts toward women’s empowerment, noting that women officers are now serving in key roles such as pilots, observers, air traffic controllers and logistics officers. He added that women are also being trained for hovercraft operations and are actively deployed in frontline duties.
Samudra Pratap, meaning “Majesty of the Seas,” symbolizes the Coast Guard’s commitment to ensuring safe, secure and clean seas while protecting India’s maritime interests. The vessel has been entirely conceived, designed and built in India, with more than 60 per cent indigenous content.
The ship measures 114.5 metres in length with a beam of 16.5 metres and can achieve speeds of over 22 knots. With a displacement of around 4,200 tonnes, it is powered by two 7,500 kW diesel engines fitted with indigenously developed controllable pitch propellers and gearboxes, providing enhanced manoeuvrability, operational flexibility and an endurance of nearly 6,000 nautical miles.
Equipped with advanced automation and computerized control systems, Samudra Pratap reflects India’s increasing capability in complex and high-end shipbuilding for maritime security and environmental protection.
