PM Modi Hails Commissioning of ICGS Samudra Pratap, Calls It a Boost to India’s Self Reliance Vision
India’s largest indigenously built pollution control vessel strengthens Coast Guard capabilities and underscores commitment to sustainable seas.
New Delhi, Dec 07 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday praised the commissioning of the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samudra Pratap, calling it a milestone that strengthens India’s vision of self-reliance, enhances the nation’s maritime security apparatus, and reflects a firm commitment to sustainability.
The ICGS Samudra Pratap, India’s first of two Pollution Control Vessels (PCVs) constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), was formally commissioned on January 5 by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
“The commissioning of ICGS Samudra Pratap is noteworthy for numerous reasons, including its contribution to our vision of self-reliance, the enhancement of our security apparatus, and its reflection of commitment to sustainability,” PM Modi wrote on X.
State-of-the-art pollution control and maritime safety
Purpose-built for pollution response at sea, ICGS Samudra Pratap is equipped with advanced pollution control systems, including side-sweeping arms, high-capacity skimmers, floating booms, portable barges, and an onboard pollution control laboratory. The vessel also features a powerful External Fire Fighting System (Fi-Fi Class 2) capable of handling large-scale maritime fires, enabling first-response support for vessels and offshore installations.
For maritime security duties, the ship is armed with a 30 mm CRN-91 gun and two 12.7 mm Stabilised Remote Controlled Guns (SRCG), integrated with modern fire-control systems. Cutting-edge navigation and automation technologies including Dynamic Positioning System (DP), Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), and Automated Power Management System (APMS) ensure operational efficiency and precision during complex missions.
A milestone in India’s maritime self-reliance
With a complement of 14 officers and 115 crew members, the vessel will be based in Kochi under the administrative and operational control of the Coast Guard Region (West). As India’s largest and most technologically advanced Coast Guard ship to date, Samudra Pratap exemplifies the country’s shipbuilding excellence, bolsters maritime safety and security, and reinforces India’s commitment to protecting the marine environment.
Construction of the ship began on February 23, 2022, with its keel laid on November 21, 2022. Its name, meaning “Majesty of the Seas,” reflects the Coast Guard’s resolve to safeguard India’s oceans and maritime interests.
The commissioning marks the start of ICGS Samudra Pratap’s active operational life, significantly enhancing the Indian Coast Guard’s capabilities in pollution response, firefighting, and maritime security.
