Coast Guard Commissions Fast Patrol Vessel 'Abhiraj'

KOCHI: Indian Coast Guard Ship ‘Abhiraj, the fourth in the series of 20 fast patrol vessels (FPVs) designed and built by the  Cochin Shipyard Limited, was commissioned on Tuesday at Tuticorin by Vice-Admiral SPS Cheema, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, in the presence of Inspector General S P Sharma, Commander Coast Guard Region (East), and other senior dignitaries of the Central Government and the State Government.

The 50-meter-long endogenously-built FPV displaces 290 tonnes, and can achieve a maximum speed of 33 knots, with an endurance of 1,500 nautical miles at an economical speed of 13 knots.   The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and advanced communication and navigational equipment.  The ship makes an ideal platform for undertaking multifarious missions such as surveillance; search and rescue; and medical evacuation.   The special features of the ship include an integrated bridge management system (IBMS).