Indian Coast Guard commissions fourth Samarth-class OPV

The Indian Coast Guard commissioned the fourth of six offshore patrol vessels in Goa on February 21.

Named Shaunak, the 105-meter vessel was commissioned at Goa Shipyards Limited facilities, which is in charge of designing and building these vessels.

Shaunak is fitted with a 30 mm CRN 91 naval gun, an integrated bridge and power management systems and a high power external fire fighting system.

The ship is designed to carry one twin engine light helicopter and five high speed boats including two Quick Reaction Inflatable Boats for swift boarding operations, search and rescue, law enforcement and maritime patrol.

The ship is also capable of carrying pollution response equipment to contain oil spill at sea.

With a displacement of 2500 tons, Shaunak is propelled by two 9100 KW diesel engines to a maximum speed of 26 knots and has an endurance of 6500 NM at economical speed.

The ship will be based at Visakhapatnam and the 112 creww will be commanded by Deputy Inspector General T Sashi Kumar.

Presently, Indian Coast Guard has a fleet of 127 ships/boats, while 85 ships/boats are at various stages of construction at different shipyards, the coast guard said.