Keel laid for India's new coastal defenders; next-generation offshore patrol vessels set to enhance maritime security

 Keel laying ceremony of the second and third next-generation offshore patrol vessels (NGOPV), designed for coastal defence and surveillance, search and rescue operations, protection of offshore assets and anti-piracy missions, was held at Yeoman Marine Services Private Ltd (YMSPL) in Ratnagiri of Maharashtra.

The contracts for the indigenous design and construction of 11 NGOPVs between ministry of defence and GSL, Goa, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, with seven ships to be constructed by lead shipyard GSL and four ships by follow shipyard GRSE was concluded on Sunday.

Main hull blocks of Yard 1281 and Yard 1282 are being fabricated at the premises of YMSPL, Ratnagiri as part of GSL’s build strategy, a release from the defence ministry stated. According to the ministry, the keel laying of these vessels marks “a significant milestone in the overall project timeline.”

“The 11 NGOPVs are being built in consonance with the nation’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ and are poised to augment the Indian Naval maritime prowess,” the ministry said.

R. Swaminathan, Controller, Warship Production & Acquisition, was the chief guest at the ceremony. Senior officials of the Indian Navy, GSL and YMSPL attended the event.

Maritime