Goa, July 23: Marking a significant milestone in India’s maritime environmental preparedness, Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) today launched ‘Samudra Prachet’, the second and final Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) being built indigenously for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The vessel was launched at a ceremony held in Goa, with Director General of Indian Coast Guard Paramesh Sivamani as the Chief Guest and Priya Paramesh as the Guest of Honour.
With an impressive 72% indigenous content, the ship exemplifies the government’s push toward Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence manufacturing, while contributing to employment generation, local industry participation, and MSME engagement.
Key Features of ‘Samudra Prachet’:
- Length: 114.5 metres
- Breadth: 16.5 metres
- Displacement: 4,170 tonnes
- Crew Capacity: 14 officers and 115 sailors
- Special Capabilities:
- Two side-sweeping arms for oil spill recovery while underway
- Advanced radar system to detect oil slicks
- Capability to recover oil across the full viscosity spectrum
- Facilities for pollutant separation and storage in dedicated onboard tanks
- Equipment to pump in and analyse contaminated water
These state-of-the-art features ensure rapid and effective response to any oil spill incidents within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Leaders Emphasize Environmental Preparedness and Indigenous Capabilities
Addressing the gathering, DG ICG Paramesh Sivamani underscored the strategic importance of Pollution Control Vessels for India’s maritime security and environmental response. He praised GSL’s achievement in fulfilling ICG’s complex shipbuilding requirements indigenously and urged stakeholders to continue advancing self-reliant defence production.
GSL Chairman & Managing Director Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay also lauded the shipyard’s workforce for delivering a technologically advanced and environmentally critical platform. He reiterated GSL’s commitment to supporting India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, Indian Coast Guard, and Goa Shipyard Ltd were present at the event.
The first Pollution Control Vessel of this class was launched on August 29, 2024, and is expected to be delivered shortly.
With the addition of ‘Samudra Prachet’, the Indian Coast Guard strengthens its capability to manage marine pollution, protect marine ecosystems, and respond swiftly to oil spill disasters in Indian waters.
