Panaji, May 20 : Defence Minister A K Antony will induct the fifth Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV), 'ICGS Sankalp', into the Coast Guard in Goa today.

Director General Indian Coast Guard Vice Admiral R F Contractor will also be present at the commissioning ceremony.

The ICGS Sankalp has been designed and built indigenously by the defence PSU, Goa Shipyard Limited. The AOPV is designed to carry one twin-engine helicopter, including the indigenously built Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), and five high-speed boats for search and rescue, prompt interception and marine pollution response missions.

It is equipped with sophisticated navigational and communication sensors. The special features include an Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS), high power External Fire Fighting System and two indigenously built Gun Mounts. Besides, an Infra-Red Surveillance System will impart the AOPV with night vision capability.

The ship, to be based in Mumbai, is 105 meters long, draws 2,300 tons and is propelled by 8000 hp twin diesel engines to a maximum speed of 25 knots. It can sail upto
6,500 nautical miles without refueling. DIG K S Sheoran will be the first commandant of the ICGS "Sankalp".

The Coast Guard plans to induct one more AOPV, three Pollution Control Vessels (PCVs), five Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs) and 11 Interceptor Boats (IBs), which are under various stages of construction at the Indian shipyards, into its fleet by next year. (ANI)