GRSE Launches FPV for Indian Coast Guard

Kolkata-based defence shipyard Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) 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. Upholding the best of maritime traditions, the shipwas “Launched” by Smt. Veena Ajay Kumar, wife of Dr. Ajay Kumar, IAS, Secretary Defence (Production) who was present at the occasion as the Chief Guest.

This 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.These vessels come with an efficient hull form developed in-house and proven after extensive model testing.

The FPV designs which are exclusive to GRSE are an improvisation on the Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPV) built by GRSE for the Indian Coast Guard in 2013. These fuel- efficient and powerful platforms 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 company is geared up for the post-launch activities which include balance fitting out of the ship, readiness of ship systems and setting to work of equipment/ systems. Thereafter, the ship would be put to sea for trials before final delivery.

In a period of over five decades 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, all of them armed with high-tech infrastructure. GRSE 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’.