An offshore patrol vessel (OPV) - the first export order for an Indian-built warship - was launched on Friday by the city-based defence PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) for the Mauritian Coast Guard.
Christened 'CGS Barracuda', the ship was launched by K.O. Fong Weng-Pooran, senior chief executive in the Mauritian PMO, in the presence of Mauritian High Commissioner Arye Kumar Juggessar.
The contract was inked on March 4, 2011, ushering in a new chapter for Indian shipbuilding with the first export order for a warship placed on an Indian yard.
The ship's keel was laid on April 23, 2012.
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Contracted to be delivered within 42 months, GRSE expects to deliver the ship by September 2014, its chairman & managing director, Rear Admiral (retd) A.K. Verma, stated.
The 1,300 tonne OPV - 74.1 m long 11.40 m wide - will be capable of a maximum speed of 20 knots.
The fuel-efficient and cost-effective ship has been fitted with state-of-the-art main engines and an Integrated Bridge System catering to all needs of communication and navigation.
The ship will be provided with improved habitability with fully air-conditioned modular accommodation.
To be used for ensuring the safety and security of the maritime and exclusice economic zone (EEZ) of Mauritius, the OPV will be capable of undertaking multifarious roles such as anti-piracy, search and rescue, anti-smuggling, anti-drug surveillance and anti-poaching opertions.
It can also undertake logistics support, including transportation of dry cargo, fuel oil, fresh food, pollution response and external fire fighting, transportation of small detachment of troops or personnel and helicopter operations without a hangar.