In a significant advancement for India’s maritime capabilities, the fifth Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), named ‘Achal’, was ceremoniously launched today at Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL). The event saw Smt. Kavita Harbola initiating the launch, with Additional Director General Anil Kumar Harbola, Coast Guard Commander for the Western Seaboard, also in attendance.
‘Achal’ is part of an ambitious series of eight vessels being constructed specifically for the Indian Coast Guard, showcasing the nation’s commitment to enhancing its coastal security. Designed under a dual-class certification from the American Bureau of Shipping and the Indian Register of Shipping, ‘Achal’ is a testament to India’s increasing focus on indigenous defense production, with over 60% of its components sourced from domestic suppliers. This aligns perfectly with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative aimed at promoting self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
Measuring 52 meters in length and 8 meters in breadth, ‘Achal’ weighs 320 tons and is equipped with a controllable pitch propeller (CPP) propulsion system, allowing the vessel to achieve speeds of up to 27 knots. The vessel is tailored for vital operational roles such as protection, monitoring, control, and surveillance, enhancing the Indian Coast Guard’s capabilities to safeguard offshore assets and island territories along India’s western coast.
The project, valued at Rs 473 crore, not only strengthens national security but also invigorates the domestic defense manufacturing landscape, fostering job creation and supporting a multitude of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) involved in the supply chain.
The launch ceremony was graced by GSL Chairman and Managing Director Shri Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, alongside senior officials from the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, as well as key representatives from the shipbuilding industry, marking a significant milestone in India’s maritime defense strategy.
