New Delhi: At an impressive ceremony held at L&T Shipbuilding, Kattupalli, Chennai, the sixth Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) for India Coast Guard was launched on February 27 by Geeta Mandaviya, wife of Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Shipping, Chemical and Fertilizer.
Among those present at the function were Indian Coast Guard Director General K Natarajan, Inspector General S Paramesh, Commander Coast Guard Region (East) and other officers.
The OPV launched is the sixth in the series of seven OPV project being built by L&T Shipbuilding under the contract signed between Ministry of Defence and M/s L&T Ltd on March 30, 2015.
The length of the OPV is 98 metre and breadth 15 metre with gross tonnage of 2100. The endurance of the vessel is 5,000 nautical miles. The maximum speed is 26 knots being propelled by two diesel driven engines of 9,000 KW each with low level fuel consumption, high TBO and complying to IMO Tier-II norms. The ship will be fitted with one CRN-91 and two 12.7 mm guns and will be capable of carrying an Integral Twin Engine Helicopter which will enhance its operational, surveillance and search and rescue capability.
The OPV will have two Navigation Radars with ultra-modern technology, sophisticated navigational and latest communication systems. The ship would be manned by 121 personnel.
