Indian Coast Guard Ship Vikram Built Under 'Make in India' to be Based in Mangaluru
The 97 metre long ICGS Vikram which was commissioned into service on April 11, by Indian Minister of State for Defence, Subhash Bhamre at Chennai at DefExpo will be based in Mangaluru. D G Rajendra Singh, director general, Indian Coast Guard was also present at the event.
Chennai, April 13: The 97 metre long ICGS Vikram which was commissioned into service on April 11, by Indian Minister of State for Defence, Subhash Bhamre at Chennai at DefExpo will be based in Mangaluru. D G Rajendra Singh, director general, Indian Coast Guard was also present at the event.
ICGS Vikram is the first in class of seven new-generation offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) built by Larsen and Toubro (L&T). Vikram is part of an INR $220 million contract awarded to Larsen & Toubro in March 2015 for seven vessels. The contract was given under the government’s initiative of ‘Make in India’.
The defence ship was completed in almost in two years, including trials and commissioning. The offshore Patrol vehicle was launched in October 2017 at Larsen & Toubro’s Kattupali shipyard. The entire design and construction of the vehicle has been carried out by L&T Shipyard.
The vessel is 97m long, having width of 15m and 3.6 m draught. The OPV has 2,140 tonne displacement and a range of 5,000 NM. ICGS Vikram has maximum speed of 26 knots. The vessel can accommodate a helicopter, on its flight deck to conduct its search-and-rescue operations. This will also enhance its maritime patrol capabilities.
The OPVs are built with Integrated Platform Management System which enables special control capabilities. These type of capabilities are generally integrated in larger warships like frigates and destroyers.
The vessels are fitted with front propulsion pods for providing an ability of high maneuverability. American Bureau of Shipping as well as Indian Registrar of Shipping has certified the design and construction process. The entire process was looked after by the Indian Coast Guard’s resident team at Kattupalli. The ship is expected to touch base at New Mangalore Port (NMP) during this month. Deputy inspector general S S Dasila, commander, Coast Guard Karnataka, told The Times of India that ICGS Vikram will arrive at NMP after the trials are over.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 13, 2018 05:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).