Rajnath Singh Commissions ICG's First Indigenous Pollution Control Vessel 'Samudra Pratap'

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the Indian Coast Guard's first indigenously designed and built pollution control vessel 'Samudra Pratap' in Goa on January 5, marking a significant milestone in India's maritime self-reliance journey. The vessel, constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited, represents the largest and most advanced pollution control platform built in India.

Vessel Specifications and Capabilities

The 'Samudra Pratap' showcases impressive technical specifications that demonstrate India's growing shipbuilding capabilities. Key details of the vessel include:

The vessel is powered by two 7,500 kW diesel engines driving indigenously developed controllable pitch propellers and gearboxes, offering superior manoeuvrability and flexibility for maritime operations.

Advanced Systems and Equipment

'Samudra Pratap' incorporates state-of-the-art technology for its primary pollution response mission. The vessel features comprehensive pollution control systems including side-sweeping arms, floating booms, high-capacity skimmers, portable barges, and a dedicated pollution control laboratory.

Additional advanced systems enhance the vessel's operational efficiency:

• Dynamic positioning system
• Integrated bridge system
• Integrated platform management system
• Automated power management system
• External fire-fighting system (Fi-Fi Class 1)

For defence capabilities, the ship is equipped with a 30 mm CRN-91 gun and two 12.7 mm stabilised remote-controlled guns supported by modern fire-control systems.

Operational Role and Strategic Importance

The vessel will serve as a critical platform for multiple maritime functions including enforcing marine pollution control regulations, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue operations, and safeguarding India's Exclusive Economic Zone. Based at Kochi, the ship will be commanded by Deputy Inspector General Ashok Kumar Bhama with a complement of 14 officers and 115 personnel.

Notably, the crew includes two women officers who will perform duties alongside their male counterparts, reflecting the Coast Guard's commitment to women's empowerment in frontline operations.

Indigenous Manufacturing Achievement

Defence Minister Singh emphasised the significance of achieving over 60% indigenous content in such a complex platform, stating it demonstrates the maturity of India's defence industrial ecosystem. He expressed the government's ambition to achieve up to 90% indigenous content in future naval vessels, reinforcing the 'Make in India' initiative's objectives.

The commissioning ceremony at GSL Vasco in South Goa was attended by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and ICG Director General Paramesh Sivamani. The vessel was formally delivered to the Coast Guard by Goa Shipyard Limited in December before its commissioning.

Maritime Vision and Environmental Responsibility

Singh highlighted India's maritime vision during the ceremony, emphasising that marine resources represent shared heritage of humanity with corresponding shared responsibilities. He noted that marine pollution poses serious challenges affecting fishermen's livelihoods, coastal communities' futures, and the safety of coming generations.

The 'Samudra Pratap', meaning 'Majesty of the Seas', reflects the Indian Coast Guard's commitment to ensuring safe, secure, and clean seas while safeguarding national maritime interests. The vessel stands as a testament to India's shipbuilding excellence and long-term vision for a cleaner, safer, and self-reliant maritime future.