New Delhi. The third vessel in the series of five Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for Indian Coast Guard (ICG) was launched at a ceremony at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) on November 14 by Mrs Vijaya Shripad Naik, wife of Minister of State (MoS) for Defence Shripad Yesso Naik. She performed the launching rituals and named the vessel as ‘Sajag’.

The ongoing shipbuilding project for five Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 13, 2016.

The vessel has been entirely designed in-house by GSL, and these OPVs will form a formidable part of the Coast Guard Fleet and will be used for protection of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of India. The vessel will be fitted with most modern and technologically advanced machinery and computerised controls systems, making them the most advanced Patrol Vessel in service with the Indian Coast Guard. The 2400T vessel will be equipped with features like Quick Response Boats (QRBs) for rescue and anti-piracy, gunnery simulators and many more advanced features.

Congratulating the excellent efforts and achievements of Goa Shipyard, the Minister complimented the personnel of Indian Coast Guard and Goa Shipyard for the launching of the vessel. He acknowledged the tremendous contribution of Goa Shipyard in indigenous shipbuilding, catering to the acquisition requirements of the Indian maritime forces.

Speaking on the occasion, K Natarajan, Director General, Indian Coast Guard praised GSL for its professionalism in persistent delivery of quality ships, within the contractual delivery timelines. He lauded the bonhomie and partnership between Coast Guard and GSL in design and construction of significant number of vessels for the Indian Coast Guard.