Panaji, Jan 5: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday commissioned the Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) first indigenously designed and built pollution control vessel, ‘Samudra Pratap’, at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Vasco.
The 114.5-metre, 4,200-tonne vessel, constructed with over 60% indigenous content, can reach speeds of more than 22 knots and has an endurance of 6,000 nautical miles. It will serve as a crucial platform for enforcing marine pollution regulations, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue operations, and protecting India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The vessel was formally delivered to the Coast Guard in December, ahead of its commissioning ceremony. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and ICG Director General Paramesh Sivamani were present on the occasion.
Highlighting India’s maritime vision, Rajnath Singh said, “Marine resources are not the property of any one country; they are the shared heritage of humanity. When heritage is shared, its responsibility is also shared. This is why India has today become a responsible maritime power.”
He also emphasised women’s participation in the Coast Guard, noting that officers now serve as pilots, observers, air traffic controllers, logistics officers, and are even being trained for hovercraft operations. “Today, women are not only in support roles but are also frontline warriors,” Singh added.
The commissioning of Samudra Pratap, which translates to Majesty of the Seas, marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance (atmanirbharta) in shipbuilding and maritime capability development. The vessel underscores the ICG’s commitment to safe, secure, and clean seas while advancing indigenous ship design and construction.