Panaji, Jan 21: An advanced off shore patrol vessel (AOPL) of Indian Coast Guard, built indigenously, was commissioned Wednesday by Defence Minister A K Antony at port town of Vasco.
`ICGS Samrat` is sixth in the series of advanced off shore patrol vessels inducted into the Coast Guard. It is the largest vessel in the maritime security agency`s fleet.
Constructed at Goa Shipyard Ltd, the 105-metre long and 2,250 tonne displacement vessel is driven by two 8,000 HP diesel engines and capable of cruising at a speed of 25 knots.
The ship is fitted with ultra modern navigational and communication equipments and is capable of embarking the Advanced Light Helicopter, Coast Guard officials said.
Manned by 12 officers and 94 men, the ship, to be based in Mumbai, has an endurance of 20 days and can travel up to 6,500 nautical miles without refuelling, they said.
`ICGS Samrat` is also capable of operating Sea King and Chetak helicopters, the officials said, adding it uses the latest technology for man-machine interface to reduce manual
handling of machinery and equipment.
With the addition of the vessel, the Coast Guard fleet now comprises 41 ships and 45 aircraft, they added.
Bureau Report
