Goa Shipyard lays keel for first of 7 next-gen offshore patrol vessels
More than a year after signing the contract, Goa Shipyard (GSL) has begun work on the first of the seven next-generation oshore patrol vessel (NGOPV) ordered by the Navy to boost anti-piracy and surveillance capabilities.
The keel laying ceremony of the first NGOPV was held at GSL in Goa on Friday. It was presided by Vice-Admiral B Siva Kumar, Controller, Warship Production & Acquisition, in the presence of BK Upadhyay, Chairman and Managing Director, GSL, a Navy spokesperson stated.
MULTI-ROLE CAPABILITY
The NGOPVs will be used for anti-piracy, coastal defence and surveillance, search and rescue, and protection of oshore assets.
Four NGOPVs would replace the Navy’s aging OPVs while two would augment the Indian Coast Guard fleet
“These ships will enable the Indian Navy maintain its combat capability to protect the economic and geopolitical interests of the nation in the Indian Ocean Region,” stated the spokesperson.
The contracts for indigenous design and construction of the 11 NGOPV were signed on March 30, 2023 between the Ministry of Defence and GSL and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata. Seven ships will be constructed by Lead Shipyard of GSL and four by Follow Shipyard of GRSE.
The contract was under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category at a total cost of ₹1,614.89 crore. Four NGOPVs would replace the Navy’s aging OPVs while two would augment the Indian Coast Guard fleet.
Along with several hightech features and equipment, these 115-metre OPVs will be equipped with multi-purpose drones, AI capability and wirelessly controlled remote water rescue craft lifebuoy, enabling greater flexibility and operational edge.