Indigenously designed Offshore Patrol Vessel launched
An Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) “Vishwast”, indigenously designed in house and built by Goa Shipyard Limited was ceremoniously launched on 4th July 2008 by Smt Bharti Kumar, wife of Hon’ble Secretary (Defence Production) Govt. of India at the Shipyard.
This is the first of the new series of Three OPVs being built at Goa Shipyard for Indian Coast Guard. The 93.89 meters vessel is well equipped with State-of- the-art Navigation and Communication equipment automated by an Integrated Bridge System (IBS), thus making the ship a versatile platform.
Propelled by two MTU engines, the new OPV is capable of operating Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). The vessel with an extended range of 4500 NM at a cruising speed of 12 -14 knots is also capable of pollution control against oil spillage and external fire fighting.
The vessel has been equipped with one no. 30 mm CRN-91 Gun and HM / LM guns for policing maritime zones. The machinery controls fitted in the vessel are on one network system with multi-function work stations ensuring quick response with minimum number of personnel to man the ship.
The vessel is primarily designed for rendering yeoman service in patrolling and policing maritime zones, search and rescue operation, maritime surveillance and anti-smuggling operation. The vessel is capable of high speeds required for interdiction of pirates, poachers and smugglers.
The Automatic power management system onboard ensures that normal and standby generators are switched on and off automatically depending on the load without human intervention.
GSL, the youngest of the Defence Shipyards in the country has come a log way by diversifying and enhancing the productivity. The launching of “New series OPV ” is yet another milestone in the journey of the company.