Meet ‘Samudra Prachet’ The Game-Changing Pollution Control Vessel!

In a major step towards strengthening India’s maritime environmental protection framework, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) launched ‘Samudra Prachet’, the final of two indigenous Pollution Control Vessels (PCVs), on July 23, 2025, at Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL). This vessel will play a crucial role in enhancing India’s oil spill response capabilities within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), supporting the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative through indigenisation of strategic maritime assets.

Background

The need for dedicated pollution control vessels arose from growing environmental concerns linked to increased maritime traffic and industrial activities in the Indian Ocean Region. In response, the Ministry of Defence sanctioned the construction of two PCVs by Goa Shipyard Ltd, a premier defence PSU. The first PCV was launched in August 2024, and the second, Samudra Prachet, marks the completion of this strategic initiative.

Significance

The induction of Samudra Prachet significantly boosts India’s preparedness to combat marine pollution, especially oil spills. As a key player in the Indian Ocean Region, India’s strategic and environmental security is tied to its ability to respond swiftly to maritime ecological emergencies. The vessel supports both the Indian Coast Guard’s statutory role under the Maritime Zones of India Act, 1981 and international obligations under conventions like MARPOL (Marine Pollution).

Objectives

The primary objectives behind the deployment of PCVs like Samudra Prachet include,

• Enhancing oil spill response capabilities across India’s maritime zones
• Supporting coastal and marine environmental protection efforts
• Strengthening inter-agency maritime coordination in emergencies
• Promoting self-reliance in maritime infrastructure through indigenous shipbuilding

Features of Samudra Prachet

• Length: 114.5 meters
• Width: 16.5 meters
• Displacement: 4,170 tonnes
• Construction: Built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL)
• Equipment: Equipped with state-of-the-art pollution response systems
• Operational Scope: Capable of rapid response within India’s EEZ
• Leadership: Launched in the presence of ICG Director General Paramesh Sivamani and officials from the Ministry of Defence

These features ensure the vessel’s operational readiness for a wide range of pollution control missions and make it a valuable asset for ICG’s green maritime strategy.