GRSE launches its 5th Fast Patrol vessel for Indian Coast Guard

Miniratna Category 1 defence PSU and premier warship builder Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) on Saturday launched the Fifth Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) for the Indian Coast Guard at Raja Bagan Dockyard Unit of GRSE, Kolkata. This ship, to be commissioned as ICGS Kanaklata Barua, is the last in the series of Five FPVs built by GRSE. The ship is 50m long, 7.5m wide and has a displacement of around 308 tons. These FPVs are designed for a maximum speed of 34 knots with an endurance of more than 1500 nautical miles and come with an efficient hull form developed in-house and proven after extensive model testing. The FPV designs are an improvisation on the Inshore Patrol Vessels built by GRSE for the Indian Coast Guard in 2013 and are well suited for patrolling, anti-smuggling, anti-poaching, and rescue operations. They come fitted with state-of-the-art main engines with advanced control systems and water jet units and an ‘integrated bridge system’ assimilating all communication and navigation systems. The key armament of a 40/60 gun and improved habitability features with fully air-conditioned modular accommodation for 35 personnel are the other salient features of these ships. Since inception in 1960, GRSE has developed an array of world-class platforms including frigates, missile corvettes, anti-submarine warfare corvettes and landing craft utility ships for the Indian Navy. It is the only shipyard in the country to have delivered 100 warships. Today, GRSE is well-positioned to construct large warships harnessing advanced modular shipbuilding technology which is at par with the best in the world. The enhanced shipbuilding capacity enables GRSE to construct 20 ships concurrently. Apart from shipbuilding and ship repairs, GRSE has also diversified into the engineering business and builds ‘bailey type bridges’, ‘deck machinery for ships’ and ‘diesel engines for marine applications’. It currently has a strong order book of over Rs 27,500 crore equipping the shipyard with a deep pool of revenue-generating projects. The shipbuilder has set sail towards a growth trajectory in line with its vision to be a world leader in shipbuilding and the launching of the last Fast Patrol Vessel in the series propels it further towards that goal.