Kolkata. “SCGS Zoroaster,” a Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), Kolkata was delivered to the Indian Coast Guard of Seychelles, the archipelagic island country on February 15, taking the count of warships delivered by GRSE to a record 107.
Delivery of this ship today signifies a breakthrough in the company’s journey towards becoming a global player in the warship building arena and bears testimony to the trust; foreign countries are reposing in this Indian shipyard’s abilities. Recently, GRSE also bagged an order for construction & supply of one Ocean Going Passenger & Cargo Vessel for Republic of Guyana.
The Protocol of delivery and acceptance was signed between Rear Admiral VK Saxena, IN (Retd.), Chairman & Managing Director, GRSE and Lt. Cdr Aditya, Commanding Officer (Desig) in the presence of Cmde Sanjeev Nayyar, IN (Retd), Director (Shipbuilding), Cmde P R Hari, Director (Personnel) and Shri RK Dash, Director (Finance) and other Senior Officials of GRSE, Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard.
The SCG Ship ‘Zoroaster’ is a powerful, fuel-efficient platform designed to perform multipurpose operations, such as patrolling, anti-smuggling, anti-poaching, and search and rescue (SAR). With a maximum speed of 34 knots and an endurance of more than 1500 nautical miles, this 50m FPV with a waterjet propulsion system and advanced controls has the capability to undertake Maritime Missions of the Seychelles Coast Guard.
The ship is also fitted with a 40/60 gun as the main armament. The vessel will also flaunt improved habitability features with fully air-conditioned modular accommodation for 35 personnel. The overall design of the FPV has been developed in-house by GRSE.
GRSE also has the experience of delivering CGS Barracuda, a multipurpose compact Offshore Patrol Vessel to Mauritius Coast Guard, thereby becoming the first Indian shipyard to have exported a warship, back in 2015, when the ship was commissioned.
Since its inception as a DPSU in 1960, GRSE has built 788 platforms which include 107 warships to Maritime forces, which is highest number of warships built & delivered by any shipyard in the country, till date.
GRSE has the capability to construct 20 ships concurrently, using its modernised infrastructure and ‘Modular Integrated Construction Philosophy’. Further, the dedicated, multi disciplinary, strong Design Team of the shipyard is continuously working towards developing various concept designs for ships that can cater to the current and future requirements of Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard.
GRSE also has a dedicated Ship Repair facility, which is fully geared to undertake refits of ships. Apart from shipbuilding & ship repairs, GRSE has diversified into Engineering Business, with a product profile of Pre-fabricated Steel Bridges, various Deck Machinery Items such as Anchor Capstans, Boat Davits, Pumps etc & Assembly/ Testing/ Overhauling of MTU Diesel Engines.
