Vasco Da Gama , July 5 (ANI): The Goa Shipyard, considered one of the youngest among the defence shipyards, launched an indigenously designed Offshore Patrol Vessel for the Coast Guard on July 4.

Bharti Kumar, wife of Secretary (Defence Production), launched the vessel, ‘Vishwasta’ at the Vasco Da Gama port. The vessel was designed in-house and built by the Goa Shipyard.

The 93.89 meters vessel is first of the new series of three Offshore Patrol vessels being built at Goa Shipyard Limited for Coast Guard.

The vessel is equipped with latest navigation and communication equipment automated by an Integrated Bridge System (IBS).

The induction of the vessel will upgrade the capabilities of the Coast Guard.

“There are a variety of weapon systems and platforms that we are acquiring for Defence Forces. Be it the Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft, new kinds of submarines, which are being built at Mazagon Docks Limited (MDL) or these Offshore Patrol Vehicles. We try to upgrade the capability of defence forces so that they can meet all kinds of challenges,” said Pradeep Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production).

The new Offshore Patrol Vessel is also equipped for operating Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) on board. It is also capable of external fire fighting and controlling pollution caused by oil spillage .

The vessel has been designed for patrolling and policing the maritime zone, conduct search and rescue operations, maritime surveillance and anti-smuggling operations. (ANI)