Steel-cutting for first Indian Coast Guard ICG next-gen OPV held in Mumbai

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 31 : The steel-cutting ceremony for the first Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) was held at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai in the presence of Indian Coast Guard (lCG) officials on Friday.
In December last year, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with MDL for the procurement of six NGOPVs for the Indian Coast Guard at a total cost of Rs 1,614.89 crore.
The project aims to bolster the capabilities of coastal and offshore patrol, safeguard maritime zones, and enhance operational efficiency.

The NGOPVs are equipped with state-of-the-art machinery and equipment. The vessel is powered by two diesel engines which are capable of achieving a maximum continuous speed of 23 knots and cover a distance of up to 5,000 nautical miles, the Ministry stated.
Furthermore, they boast integral twin-engine helicopter facilities and staging for heavy helicopters, enabling swift and effective aerial surveillance and response capabilities.
Incorporated with advanced features such as multipurpose drones, Al capabilities, and wirelessly controlled remote water rescue craft, the NGOPVs provide the Indian Coast Guard with unparalleled flexibility and operational edge.
The vessel is scheduled for delivery by May 2027 and it represents a testament to the collaborative efforts of the lCG, MDL, and other stakeholders involved in the project. The NGOPV project underscores the nation's commitment to self-reliance and indigenous manufacturing, the release added.