Enhancing Indian Coast Guard's rescue and surveillance capabilities, its latest multi-mission offshore patrol vessel 'Varad', equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment, was commissioned by Union Shipping Minister Mansukh Mandaviya here on Friday.
The 98-metre long craft, that can travel upto 10,000 kms non-stop, is the fifth in the series of seven indigenously designed patrol vessels being built by the Larsen and Toubro Shipyard as part of the Centre's Make in India programme.
The vessel, which can carry two engine light helicopters with night flying capabilities, also has four high-speed boats including two rigid hull inflatable boats for swift boarding operations, search and rescue, law enforcement and patrol, the Coast Guard said.
It was commissioned by Mandaviya in the presence of Coast Guard Director General K Natarajan, Chennai Port Trust Chairman P Raveendran and senior government officials at the Chennai Port.
The Minister unveiled a plaque marking the commissioning of the ship, which underwent extensive trials since August last year when it was launched.
Speaking on the occasion, he said Coast Guard effectively establishes its presence for country's safety and that of the fishermen if there was any disaster in the sea like oil spill.
"Every year one lakh vessels pass through Indian seas. East or West on the shipping route, Coast Guard's role is to guide vessels, assist (them) during disaster," he said.
The commissioning of 'Varad' would enhance the Coast Guard's capability besides strengthening the country's security, he said.
The Minister later shared some images of him taking part in the commissioning ceremony on his official twitter page.
"Attended the commissioning ceremony of OPV-5 Varad at Chennai Port Trust. An exponential growth of shipbuilding industry is perceived, contributing immensely towards the vision of #MakeinIndia. A momentous occasion for both Coast Guard and L&T Shipyard," he tweeted.
Earlier, the Minister, on a two-day visit to Chennai and Puducherry, was accorded a warm welcome by Coast Guard personnel on his arrival at the Chennai Port.
Coast Guard Director General Natarajan, in his address, said the vessel succeeds the previous generation of ICGS 'Varad' which was in service for 28 years.
He said 90 per cent of the funding allotted to Coast Guard had been spent on indigenisation of vessels.
Later talking to reporters, he said the vessel can travel up to 10,000 kms non-stop and has many multi-mission capabilities.
"On March 15, the first twin engine helicopter is going to be handed over (to Coast Guard by HAL). Even that can land on this ship. That is the kind of power," the Coast Guard official said.
He said there were 61 Coast Guard ships under various levels of construction at public and private shipyards.
"Our target is to have 200 ships for 2025 and we are moving towards that goal. We are also moving towards 100 aircraft. We have 65 (aircraft) right now," he said.
"The stronger the Coast Guard, the borders are protected and economy of the country will develop significantly," he said.
L&T Shipbuilding Ltd Chairman S Kannan said the ship underwent extensive trials ahead of its commissioning.
The company had bagged a Rs 1,432 crore contract in 2015 from the Defence Ministry for building the seven patrol vessels at its yard in Kattupalli near here.
According to Coast Guard, 'Varad' is a projection of the maritime security agency's will and commitment which is 'to serve and protect' the maritime interests of the country.
The vessel is equipped with 30-mm and 12.7 mm guns.
Some of the special features include Integrated Bridge System, Automated Power Management System and high power external firefighting system among others.
The ship propelled by twin engines is capable of achieving maximum speed of 26 knots and endurance of 5,000 nautical miles.
The vessel, led by Commandant Pintu Bag and manned by 11 officers and 91 men, is currently based at Paradip in Odisha under the Commander Coast Guard Region (North East).
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