In a significant boost to India's maritime security and environmental protection capabilities, the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) has officially handed over a new, indigenously designed pollution control vessel to the Indian Coast Guard. The ship, named Samudra Pratap, was delivered in a ceremony held on Tuesday.
A Vessel Built for Critical Response
Samudra Pratap is the first of two advanced hybrid ships specifically developed by GSL for tackling oil spills at sea. This vessel is a monumental addition to the Coast Guard's fleet, holding the title of the largest vessel in its inventory. It measures an impressive 114.5 meters in length and 16.5 meters in breadth, with a total displacement of 4,170 tonnes.
The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art technology designed for effective pollution control and firefighting. Its key features include:
- Hull-flushed side sweeping arms for containing oil spills.
- Retractable stern thrusters for enhanced maneuverability.
- A FiFi-2 (Fire Fighting Vessel-2) level fire-fighting system capable of substantial, long-range fire suppression at sea.
- Dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to hold a steady position in challenging conditions during operations.
These features collectively enhance India's preparedness and operational strength in responding to marine pollution incidents and maritime emergencies.
Timely Delivery Amidst Rising Maritime Threats
The delivery of Samudra Pratap comes at a crucial time. Recent incidents in Indian waters have highlighted the persistent threat of maritime disasters. In early June, the Singapore-flagged container vessel MV Wan Hai 503 caught fire following an internal container explosion about 44 nautical miles off the Kerala coast. The ship was carrying a dangerous combination of 2,128 metric tonnes of fuel and hundreds of containers, including hazardous cargo.
This incident, along with others involving vessels like MSC ELSA 3, has brought into sharp focus the risks of oil spills, hazardous cargo, and collisions. The Indian Coast Guard's role in holding such threats at bay, as seen in the MV Wan Hai 503 case where the vessel was kept away from the coast for days, underscores the need for advanced, dedicated response platforms like the new Samudra Pratap.
Boosting Indigenous Manufacturing and Timely Execution
The construction of Samudra Pratap is a testament to India's growing shipbuilding prowess. Goa Shipyard Limited ensured that 75% of the raw material, machinery, and equipment used was indigenous. This focus on domestic sourcing has contributed significantly to skill development, generated employment, and increased participation from Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the defense and manufacturing ecosystem.
The handover of Samudra Pratap marks a notable achievement for GSL, representing its fourth vessel delivery in the past six months. This streak reinforces the shipyard's established track record of meeting deadlines and reliably delivering warships and specialized vessels to the nation's armed forces.
With the induction of Samudra Pratap, the Indian Coast Guard is now better equipped than ever to protect the country's vast coastline from environmental disasters and to ensure safer seas for commerce and security.
