Indian Coast Guard 7th Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘Vigraha’ launched

The seventh offshore patrol vessel of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), ”Vigraha” was formally unveiled at the Kattupalli port, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The vessel, built by Larsen and Toubro, is the last in the series of seven OPVs contracted to the company by the Ministry of Defence in 2015. It was the first time a private sector shipyard has undertaken the design and construction of offshore patrol vessel class of ships.

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About Vigraha

• The OPV is 98 metres long, 15 metres wide, has 3.6 m draught, 2140T displacement and a range of 5,000 nautical miles.
• It can attain a sustained speed of up to 26 knots and would be fitted with 30mm 2A42 gun and two 12.7 mm guns and equipped with twin-engine helicopters enhancing its operational, surveillance, search and rescue capability.
• The vessel is expected to be inducted into the Coast Guard after completion of extensive trials and testing for the equipment and machinery by March 2021.
• The vessel would be manned by 102 crew including 14 officers and 88 subordinate officers. Its life span is expected to be more than 25 years.

About Offshore Patrol Vessels 

Offshore Patrol Vessels are long-range surface ships, capable of operation in maritime zones of the country including island territories with helicopter operation capabilities. Some of the roles undertaken by the OPVs include coastal and offshore patrol, policing maritime zones of the country, surveillance, anti-smuggling and anti-piracy operations.

Important takeaways for all competitive exams: 

• Indian Coast Guard Director General: Director General Krishnaswamy Natarajan.
• Indian Coast GuardFounded: 18 August 1978.
• Indian Coast Guard Headquarters: Ministry of Defence, New Delhi.

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