Indian Coast Guard commissions indigenous pollution control vessel Samudra Pratap, marks first-ever deployment of women officers onboard
Goa, Jan 5: The Indian Coast Guard on Monday commissioned ICGS Samudra Pratap, the country’s first indigenous Pollution Control Vessel (PCV), marking a major milestone in India’s push for self-reliance in shipbuilding and maritime capability.
The vessel was commissioned by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Goa in the presence of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Director General Indian Coast Guard Paramesh Sivamani, along with senior officials from the Centre and the state.
Built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Samudra Pratap is the first of two Pollution Control Vessels being constructed for the Coast Guard. The commissioning underlines India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, with the ship conceived, designed and built entirely in the country, featuring over 60 per cent indigenous content.
Named Samudra Pratap, meaning “Majesty of the Seas”, the vessel symbolises the Indian Coast Guard’s commitment to safeguarding maritime security while ensuring clean and safe seas. Measuring 114.5 metres in length with a beam of 16.5 metres, the ship can achieve speeds of over 22 knots and is equipped with advanced automation and computerised control systems.
With a displacement of around 4,200 tonnes, the vessel is powered by two 7,500 kW diesel engines driving indigenously developed controllable pitch propellers, offering high manoeuvrability and an endurance of nearly 6,000 nautical miles. Its primary role is pollution response at sea, supported by state of the art equipment such as side-sweeping arms, floating booms, high-capacity skimmers, portable barges and a dedicated pollution-control laboratory. It is also fitted with an External Fire Fighting System (Fi-Fi Class 1).
The ship integrates advanced systems including Dynamic Positioning, Integrated Bridge System, Integrated Platform Management System and Automated Power Management System to enhance operational efficiency. Its armament includes a 30 mm CRN-91 gun and two 12.7 mm stabilised remote controlled guns, supported by modern fire control systems.
Based at Kochi under the operational control of the Coast Guard Region (West), ICGS Samudra Pratap will undertake pollution response, maritime surveillance and other chartered duties across India’s maritime zones. Commanded by Deputy Inspector General Ashok Kumar Bhama, the ship has a complement of 14 officers and 115 personnel, including the maiden appointment of two women officers serving alongside their male counterparts.
The induction of Samudra Pratap is expected to significantly enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s capabilities in pollution control, maritime safety, firefighting and environmental protection, while strengthening long range surveillance and response operations.
As the largest and most advanced Pollution Control Vessel built in India, ICGS Samudra Pratap stands as a testament to the country’s growing shipbuilding prowess and its long-term vision for a cleaner, safer and self reliant maritime future.
