Indian Coast Guard's first L&T-built OPV is launched
Larsen and Toubro (L&T) has launched the first of seven offshore patrol vessels (OPV) for the Indian Coast Guard, the company announced on 27 October.
L&T is confident that the vessel named Vikram will be handed over to the Indian Coast Guard ahead of the March 2018 delivery schedule after undergoing the process of fitting out and sea trials.
L&T was awarded a $220.58 million contract by the Indian Ministry of Defence in March 2015 to design and build the seven OPVs.
The OPVs are long-range surface ships, capable of operations in the maritime zones of India, including its far island territories, and they also have helicopter operation capabilities. They will be deployed for coastal and offshore patrol, policing maritime zones, control and surveillance, anti-smuggling and anti-piracy with limited wartime roles.
Measuring 97m long, 15m wide, with a 3.6m draught and 2,140t displacement with a range of 5,000nm, the OPVs can attain sustained speeds of up to 26kt. The entire design and construction processes have undergone dual certification from the American Bureau of Shipping and Indian Registrar of Shipping.
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![ST Engineering to supply the Republic of Singapore Navy with counter-mine systems]()
ST Engineering to supply the Republic of Singapore Navy with counter-mine systems
Singapore Technologies Engineering (ST Engineering) will supply uncrewed naval systems and supporting command and control equipment to support counter-mine operations with deliveries expected to begin in 2027.
-
![SOF Week 2025: SubSea Craft introduces MARS USV]()
SOF Week 2025: SubSea Craft introduces MARS USV
The MARS platform was built be a low-signature, multi-role, mission-configurable capability.
-
![US and European special operators test Icelandic AI-based solution for marine platforms]()
US and European special operators test Icelandic AI-based solution for marine platforms
Hefring Marine IMAS was designed to optimise vessels’ operation.
-
![US Navy expands GARC sUSV deployment]()
US Navy expands GARC sUSV deployment
The small, unmanned surface vehicle will operate this year in multiple operations and military exercises worldwide.
-
![Another $18.4 billion committed to USN Virginia-class submarines]()
Another $18.4 billion committed to USN Virginia-class submarines
The contract was awarded to HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division and General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB). As well as for the building of the boats, contract money will also go towards improving productivity at the shipyards, workforce support and other investment.
