PARADIP: A fast patrol vessel (FPV), ICGS Amogh was commissioned by the Indian Coast Guard at Paradip Port on Saturday to enhance coastal security.
Chief Conservator of Paradip Port Trust, Gauri Prasad Biswal, commissioned the FPV, built by the Kerala-based Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), and said it would strengthen coastal security of port city of Paradip where economic activities are growing.
The 50-metre long fast patrol boat with 421 tonnes displacement can achieve a maximum speed of 35 knots (63 kmph). The vessel is fitted with state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment.
Last year, the Indian Coast Guard had commissioned interceptor vessels ‘Vajra’ and ICGS C-425 at Paradip. The ICGS C-425 has medium range armament and is designed for high speed interception, close-coast patrol, low-intensity maritime operations, search and rescue and maritime surveillance. The 30-metre long interceptor boat with 90 tonnes displacement can achieve a maximum speed of 45 knots. It is a shallow draft vessel that can operate in low-dip water.
Coast Guard had also re-based ICGS ‘Vajra’ at Paradip Port for enhancing maritime surveillance in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) adjoining the coast of Odisha and West Bengal.
The offshore patrol vessel, which is 74-metre long, is designed to achieve a maximum speed of 22 knots and can operate over extended ranges for prolonged duration.