Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) recently celebrated a significant milestone in India’s maritime defense capabilities with the handover of the ICGS Amulya, the third vessel in a series of eight Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs). This initiative is part of the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat program, which aims to bolster the country’s indigenous maritime security infrastructure.
The handover ceremony took place at GSL’s shipyard in Vasco, attended by high-ranking officials including GSL’s CMD Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, Director (Operations) Rear Admiral Nelson D’Souza (Retd), and Director (Finance) Jahangeer Alam Ansari, alongside senior officers from the Indian Coast Guard. The vessel was officially received by Comdt (JG) Anupam Singh, who represented the Coast Guard.
ICGS Amulya features a robust design tailored for coastal and offshore operations, boasting impressive specifications. It measures 51.43 meters in length and 8 meters in breadth, with a displacement of 330 tonnes and a draught of 2.5 meters. Notably, it is equipped with twin marine diesel engines and controllable pitch propellers, a first for this FPV series, allowing it to reach speeds exceeding 27 knots and offering an endurance of 1,500 nautical miles. The vessel can accommodate a crew of 6 officers and 35 sailors, and its Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS) significantly enhances operational efficiency during long-duration missions.
The missions targeted by ICGS Amulya include critical areas such as fisheries protection, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance, anti-smuggling and anti-piracy operations, general coastal security patrols, and search-and-rescue missions.
The delivery of the ICGS Amulya underscores GSL’s pivotal role in developing India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and enhancing its maritime defense readiness. As GSL continues to expand its technical expertise and production capacity, it is well-positioned to support India’s blue economy ambitions and fortify national maritime security under the Make in India initiative. The series of FPVs, including ICGS Amulya, will notably extend the operational reach of the Indian Coast Guard along the country’s extensive coastline, contributing to enhanced maritime safety and security.
