ICG inducts its first indigenously designed pollution control vessel ‘Samudra Pratap’

• The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) inducted the first indigenously designed and built Pollution Control Vessel (PCV), ‘Samudra Pratap’ on December 23.

• The induction marks a significant milestone in strengthening India’s maritime pollution response capabilities and reinforces the nation’s commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

• The Vessel will serve as a critical platform for enforcing marine pollution control regulations, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue operations, and safeguarding India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

• The vessel was formally delivered to the Coast Guard at an induction ceremony from Goa Shipyard Limited.

• Measuring 114.5 metres in length and 16.5 metres in breadth, with a displacement of 4,170 tonnes, it is the largest ship in the ICG fleet.

• The vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including a 30mm CRN-91 gun, two 12.7mm stabilised remote-controlled guns with integrated fire control systems, an indigenously developed Integrated Bridge System, Integrated Platform Management System, Automated Power Management System, shaft generator, Sea boat davit, PR boat with davit, and a high-capacity external firefighting system.

• The vessel is equipped with an oil fingerprinting machine, gyro-stabilised standoff active chemical detector and other equipment.

• It has over 60 per cent indigenous content. 

• These advanced features significantly enhance the Coast Guard’s pollution response and containment capabilities across the Indian Ocean Region.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)