Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) launched the Offshore Patrol Vessel (MOPV) built for the Government of Mauritius on 2 August 2013 from the main yard.
The ship was launched by Mrs K. O. Fong Weng-Poorun, Senior Chief Executive of PMO, Govt of Mauritius in the presence of His Excellency Dr Arye Kumar Juggessar, GOSK, High Commissioner, Government of Mauritius, Vice Admiral Pradeep K. Chatterjee, AVSM, NM, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral (Retd) A.K. Verma, VSM, Chairman & Managing Director, GRSE and other dignitaries from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs and state administration. During the ceremony, the ship was named “CGS Barracuda”.
GRSE had signed the contract for this prestigious export order on 4th March, 2011 which is not only a significant milestone in the Indo-Mauritian cooperation but also ushered in a new chapter in Indian shipbuilding with the first ever export order for a warship placed with an Indian Shipyard. The keel of the ship was laid on 23 April 2012.
The OPV measuring 74.10 m in length, 11.40 m in breadth, shall be capable of moving at a maximum speed of 20 knots with an approximate displacement of 1,300 tonnes. The ship has been fitted with state-of-the-art Main Engines, Controls and Integrated Bridge System catering to all needs of communication and navigation. The ship will be provided with improved habitability with fully air-conditioned modular accommodation.
With the objective of ensuring safety and security of maritime zone/EEZ of Mauritius, MOPV has been designed for playing multipurpose roles such as Anti Piracy, Search & Rescue Operations, Anti Smuggling & Anti-Drug Surveillance, Anti Poaching Operation, Logistic Support Operation (including Transportation of Dry Cargo, Fuel Oil, Fresh Food), Pollution Response and External Fire Fighting, Transportation of Small Detachment of Troops/Personnel, Helicopter Operations (without hangar).
GRSE has constructed and delivered as many as 84 warships for the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard.
[mappress] Press Release, August 14, 2013; Image: GRSE