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In a significant move toward enhancing India’s maritime environmental security, Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) launched the second indigenous Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) for the Indian Coast Guard today. The vessel, named ‘Samudra Prachet’, was ceremonially launched at GSL’s Vasco-da-Gama shipyard in Goa, marking another key milestone in the country’s drive for self-reliant shipbuilding under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The launch took place in the presence of Director General Paramesh Sivamani, the head of the Indian Coast Guard, who emphasised the ship’s strategic role in safeguarding India’s maritime environment. Stressing the Coast Guard’s increasing responsibility in pollution response operations, DG Sivamani described the new platform as a “vital asset” in addressing coastal environmental threats and preserving marine ecosystems.
Cutting-Edge Capabilities for Oil Spill Response
Samudra Prachet, designated Yard 1268, is the second of a two-ship series of Pollution Control Vessels. Its sister ship, Samudra Pratap, was launched in August 2024. Designed entirely in-house by GSL, the vessel features advanced technology tailored for pollution control duties along India’s coastline and in offshore zones.
With a displacement of 4,170 tonnes, the ship measures 114.5 metres in length and 16.5 metres in breadth, and is capable of deploying two side-sweeping arms to recover oil spills while in motion. The vessel also includes onboard systems for viscosity-range oil recovery, contaminated water intake, pollutant separation, and storage of recovered oil in dedicated tanks. Additionally, it boasts a sophisticated radar suite designed to detect and track oil slicks on the sea surface.
The crew complement will include 14 officers and 115 sailors, trained to execute complex pollution response and maritime environmental monitoring missions.
A Milestone in Indigenous Shipbuilding
Speaking at the event, Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, Chairman and Managing Director of GSL, hailed the vessel as a hallmark of Indian engineering excellence and a step forward in environmental preparedness at sea. He also commended the team for achieving an impressive 72% indigenous content, achieved through collaboration with Indian industries and MSMEs.
“This platform underscores our commitment to self-reliance and reflects our sustained efforts to empower local industries while meeting the operational needs of the Indian Coast Guard,” Upadhyay said.
The project has spurred significant domestic value addition, job creation, and technical skill development within India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Maritime Sustainability and Security
The launch of Samudra Prachet strengthens the long-standing collaboration between GSL and the Indian Coast Guard, both of which are aligned in the mission to ensure a clean, secure, and sustainable marine environment. As concerns grow over marine pollution and ecological risks in the Indian Ocean Region, this vessel represents a timely addition to India’s environmental protection fleet.
With its capability to handle complex spill scenarios and support a wide range of pollution response operations, the ship will serve as a strategic enabler in India’s maritime domain awareness and environmental stewardship initiatives.
The commissioning of Samudra Prachet in the coming months will further elevate India’s capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to marine pollution incidents. It also reinforces India’s standing as a global maritime nation committed to sustainable development and indigenous defence production.
Team BharatShakti
