In news– Recently, the Defence Minister dedicated to the Nation, indigenously built Coast Guard Ship ‘Vigraha’ in Chennai.
About Vigraha
- The vessel is armed with a 40/60 Bofors gun and fitted with two 12.7 mm Stabilised Remote Control Gun (SRCG) with Fire Control System.
- The ship is also equipped with Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), Automated Power Management System (APMS) and High-Power External Firefighting (EFF) system.
- The Ship Vigraha is the seventh in the series of Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), starting from ‘Vikram’, ‘Vijay’, ‘Veer’, ‘Varaha’, ‘Varad’ and ‘Vajra’.
- The 98 meters offshore patrol vessel (OPV) has been designed and built indigenously by M/s Larsen & Toubro ShipBuilding Ltd.
- Itis fitted with advanced technology Radars, Navigation and Communication Equipment, Sensor and Machinery capable of operating in tropical sea conditions.
- It is designed to carry one Twin Engine Helicopter and four high speed boats for Boarding Operation, Search and Rescue, Law Enforcement and Maritime Patrol.
- It is also capable of carrying limited pollution response equipment to contain oil spills at sea.
- The ship displaces approx. 2200 tons (GRT) and is propelled by two 9100 KW diesel engines to attain a maximum speed of 26 knots with endurance of 5000 nm at economical speed.
- ICGS Vigraha will be based at Visakhapatnam and operate on India’s Eastern Seaboard under the Operational and Administrative Control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (East).
- The ship is a perfect example of a successful partnership between public and private sectors to realise the dream of self-reliant India.
- The Indian Coast Guard with this ship joining the fleet, will have 157 Ships and 66 Aircraft in its inventory.
Source: PIB
