Samudra Pratap: India’s first high-end pollution control vessel commissioned

Goa: The Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samudra Pratap, the first of two Pollution Control Vessels (PCVs) built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), was formally commissioned today by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the presence of Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, Coast Guard Director General Paramesh Sivamani, and senior officials from the Central and State Governments.

The commissioning of ICGS Samudra Pratap marks a significant milestone in India’s push for Atmanirbhar Bharat in shipbuilding and the country’s growing capability in advanced maritime operations.

Meaning “Majesty of the Seas,” Samudra Pratap embodies the Indian Coast Guard’s commitment to safe, secure, and pollution-free seas, while safeguarding India’s maritime interests. Entirely conceived, designed, and built in India, the vessel incorporates over 60 per cent indigenous content and showcases advanced automation and computerised control systems.

The ship measures 114.5 metres in length with a 16.5-metre beam, capable of speeds exceeding 22 knots, and displaces approximately 4,200 tons. Powered by two 7,500 kW diesel engines driving indigenously developed Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPPs) and gearboxes, Samudra Pratap offers superior manoeuvrability and an endurance of 6,000 nautical miles.

Designed primarily for pollution response, the vessel is equipped with side-sweeping arms, floating booms, high-capacity skimmers, portable barges, and an onboard pollution-control laboratory. It also features an External Fire Fighting System (Fi-Fi Class 1), advanced Dynamic Positioning (DP) capability, Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), and Automated Power Management System (APMS) to optimise mission efficiency. Armament includes a 30 mm CRN-91 gun and two 12.7 mm Stabilised Remote-Controlled Guns (SRCG) with modern fire-control systems.

Based at Kochi under the operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (West) via Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 4 (Kerala & Mahe), ICGS Samudra Pratap will undertake pollution response, maritime surveillance, and other operational duties. Commanded by Deputy Inspector General Ashok Kumar Bhama, the ship has a complement of 14 officers and 115 personnel, including the maiden appointment of two women officers, who will serve alongside their male counterparts.

The commissioning of India’s largest and most advanced Pollution Control Vessel significantly enhances the Coast Guard’s capabilities in environmental protection, maritime safety, fire-fighting, and extended surveillance operations across the country’s vast maritime zones.

ICGS Samudra Pratap stands as a testament to India’s shipbuilding excellence and its long-term vision for a self-reliant, safer, and cleaner maritime future.

ANI