In a significant boost to India's maritime security and environmental protection capabilities, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samudra Pratap at Goa's Mormugao Port on Monday, October 28, 2024. The vessel is the third in a series of sophisticated pollution control vessels designed to safeguard the nation's vast coastline.
A Strategic Asset for Coastal Defence and Ecology
The commissioning ceremony marks a pivotal moment for the Indian Coast Guard. The ICGS Samudra Pratap is a 110-meter long vessel, constructed by the Mumbai-based Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). It is equipped with state-of-the-art technology specifically tailored for pollution response at sea. The ship's primary mandate is to contain and recover oil spills, a critical function for protecting marine ecosystems from environmental disasters.
During the event, Rajnath Singh emphasized the vessel's dual role. He highlighted that while Samudra Pratap is a specialized tool for environmental conservation, it also serves as a formidable platform for the Coast Guard's broader security operations. "This ship will not only protect the maritime environment but also strengthen our coastal security," the Defence Minister stated, underscoring the government's commitment to a secure and sustainable blue economy.
Advanced Capabilities and Operational Reach
The pollution control vessel is engineered to tackle major oil spills, capable of recovering spilled oil from the sea surface. Its advanced systems allow for efficient containment and dispersal operations, which are vital during emergencies involving tankers or offshore installations. Beyond its environmental role, the ship is armed with a 30 mm naval gun and carries a sophisticated helicopter, enhancing its surveillance, search and rescue, and interdiction capabilities.
The induction of Samudra Pratap brings the Indian Coast Guard's fleet strength to over 150 ships and 78 aircraft, with more than 65 additional vessels currently under construction at various Indian shipyards. This expansion reflects a strategic focus on indigenization and self-reliance in defence manufacturing, a cornerstone of the government's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.
Strengthening India's Maritime Domain Awareness
The commissioning is seen as a direct enhancement of India's maritime security architecture. With a coastline stretching over 7,500 kilometers, protecting territorial waters from traditional and non-traditional threats is paramount. Ships like the Samudra Pratap significantly augment the Coast Guard's ability to monitor Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), conduct anti-smuggling and anti-poaching patrols, and provide assistance to merchant vessels in distress.
Senior officials from the Indian Coast Guard and the Ministry of Defence were present at the ceremony. They noted that the vessel will be based on the western seaboard, a region of high maritime traffic and strategic importance. Its deployment will ensure a rapid and effective response to any environmental hazard while acting as a persistent deterrent against unlawful activities at sea.
The event in Goa underscores India's growing prowess in indigenous shipbuilding and its unwavering focus on securing its maritime frontiers. The ICGS Samudra Pratap stands as a symbol of technological advancement and ecological responsibility, poised to serve as a guardian of both national security and the precious marine environment.
