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The Indian Coast Guard on Saturday commissioned ICGS Akshar, its newest vessel, at Karaikal, Puducherry marking a significant push to the country’s maritime capabilities. The 51-metre fast patrol vessel (FPV) is the second ship in a series of eight Adamya-class FVP indigenously built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).
Named Akshar, meaning “imperishable,” the vessel is designed to enhance surveillance and safeguard India’s maritime interests along the eastern seaboard.
“With over 60% indigenous content, ICGS Akshar stands as a testament to India’s growing maritime capabilities under the Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative,” Defence Ministry stated in its statement.
Weighing around 320 tonnes, Akshar is powered by twin 3,000 KW diesel engines capable of speeds up to 27 knots and an endurance of 1,500 nautical miles. The ship is equipped with indigenously developed controllable pitch propellers, a 30 mm CRN91 gun, and two 12.7 mm stabilised remote-controlled machine guns.
According to statement, advanced systems like the Integrated Bridge System, Platform Management System, and Automated Power Management System further enhance operational efficiency.
The ship will be based at Karaikal, Puducherry, under the administrative and operational control of Commander Coast Guard Region (East) through the Commander, Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 13. The vessel will be deployed for surveillance of maritime zones and undertaking other duties as enshrined in the Coast Guard charter.
The statement noted that the induction of Akshar adds a modern, self-reliant asset to the Coast Guard fleet, strengthening India’s readiness to protect its maritime borders and ensuring greater security along the eastern seaboard.
Team BharatShakti
