Panaji: ICGS `VISHWAST`, first-of-its
kind, indigenously designed Offshore Patrol Vessel will be
commissioned by Defence Minister A K Antony tomorrow to the
Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), one of the prominent
defence shipbuilding yards, has built the ship which has
state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipments.
The vessel, 90 meter in length, has an Integrated
Bridge System and is also provided with Platform Management
System, a GSL spokesman said.
"Propelled by two MTU engines, this vessel delivers a
maximum speed of 26 knots and has an endurance of 4500
nautical miles. The vessel is capable of operating an
helicopter. The vessel is also equipped with a 30 mm gun to
counter undesirable intruders," he said.
This is the only vessel in this class in the world
with a large range of facilities for Pollution Control, Fire
Fighting, Search & Rescue and Patrolling, the spokesman added.
Indian Coast Guard would be using the ship for
patrolling and policing maritime zones, search and rescue
operation, maritime surveillance, anti-smuggling operation,
pollution response against oil spillage and external
fire-fighting.
PTI
