GRSE launches NGOPV ‘Sanghmitra’

• Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd launched ‘Sanghmitra’, a next generation offshore patrol vessel (NGOPV) for the Indian Navy.

• The NGOPVs are significantly larger and more capable than conventional offshore patrol vessels, with enhanced endurance and firepower.

• The vessel measures around 113 metres in length and 14.6 metres in width, with a displacement of 3,000 tonnes.

• The ship has an endurance of 8,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 14 knots and can achieve a maximum speed of 23 knots.

• With a draught requirement of only four metres, the vessel is capable of operating in coastal waters for the protection of offshore assets, maritime interdiction and visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations.

• The NGOPVs will also undertake surveillance and mine warfare missions and support special operations.

• The construction of 11 NGOPVs is being undertaken concurrently at two shipyards (Goa Shipyard Ltd and GRSE, Kolkata).

• ‘Shachi’, the first of the NGOPVs, was launched at GSL, Goa on March 31. 

• These indigenously designed and built ships will augment the existing Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) / Naval Offshore Patrol Vessels (NOPVs) for multi-domain operations, such as surveillance and defence in area of interest, search and rescue, protection of offshore assets, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, and anti-piracy missions.

• These ships derive their names from India’s heritage, with this ship being named ‘Sanghmitra’, after the daughter of King Ashoka. 

• ‘Shachi’ means one who renders assistance.

• The crest design of the ship depicts the constellation of Ursa Major and a red and white coloured lighthouse.