Chennai (NVI): To enable the Indian Coast Guard to ensure foolproof security along the 7500 km vast coastline, the sixth Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘Vajra’ was launched in Chennai today.
The security vessel was launched in the presence of Union Shipping Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and senior government officials here, the Ministry of Shipping said in a statement.
During the launch ceremony, Chief Guest on the occasion Mansukh Mandaviya said that the vessel built by Larsen and Toubro under the Centre’s ‘Make in India’ campaign would be utilised for day and night patrolling.
Mandaviya said that the Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV-6) will strengthen the efforts Indian Coast Guard for securing over 7500 km vast coastline, an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of over 20 lakh sq km and more than one lakh merchant ships transiting per year through Indian waters for global trade.
He recalled the maritime history of India and stated that National Maritime Heritage Complex will be developed at Lothal, Gujarat for securing and showcasing rich maritime heritage of India.
“India has always been strong player in Maritime Technology since Indus Valley Civilisation except for few centuries and showed the confidence that India is regaining its maritime capabilities with dedicated approach in terms of ship buildings and protecting waters of India,” he said.
“OPV-6 is truly state of the art platform which will enhance the capabilities of Indian Coast Guard in terms of operation, surveillance, search and rescue,” he added.
He also appreciated that within the span of 43 years, Indian Coast Guard has increased its fleet strength and said that now it is one of the largest coast guards in the world.
“The ship would be utilised for day and night patrol, surveillance along with anti-terrorist, anti-smuggling operations in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as well as Coastal Security,” he said.
“The OPV will have two Navigation Radars with ultra-modern technology, sophisticated navigational and latest communication systems,” he added.
Director General K Natarajan, PTM, TM, Director General Indian Coast Guard, Inspector General S Paramesh, PTM, TM, Commander Coast Guard Region (East) and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.
