Keel laying of fourth fast patrol vessel to enhance Coast Guard capabilities

New Delhi: The keel-laying ceremony of an Indian Coast Guard fast patrol vessel (FPV) -- the fourth in a series of 14 being built for coastal security, search and rescue, and law enforcement -- was held on Monday, officials said.

The ships are being built in consonance with the nation's vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and are poised to augment the ICG's presence in the Indian Ocean Region, they said.

"Keel-laying ceremony for FPV-4 (Yard 16504) along with plate cutting ceremony for FPV-7 (Yard 16507) of the 14 FPVs project (Yard 16501-14) was held at MDL, Mumbai today," a senior official of the ICG said.


The FPVs are being equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, including an AI-based predictive maintenance system and multipurpose drones.

The ceremony was graced by a senior official of the Coast Guard as the chief guest. Senior officials of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) were also present on the occasion.

The contract for the design and construction of 14 FPVs was concluded with MDL in January 2024.

"The water jet propelled FPVs with approximately 340T displacement are designed for coastal security, search and rescue and law enforcement duties," the senior official said.

The indigenous content of these ships is augmented with an indigenously built gearbox by Triveni, Mysore and water Jets by MJP India, he said. The keel laying of the FPV-4 and plate cutting of FPV-7 mark a significant milestone in the overall project's timeline, the Coast Guard said.