Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) has launched two new Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), named Amulya and Akshay, for the Indian Coast Guard. The launch took place on January 5, 2025.
Here's a simplified explanation:
What are Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs)? Small, fast ships used for patrolling coastlines, preventing smuggling, and other security operations.
What did GSL do? They launched two of these vessels at the same time, which is a first for them.
What is significant about this launch?
- It shows GSL's commitment to using new technology.
- It demonstrates India's increasing self-reliance in building its own defense equipment ("Atmanirbhar Bharat").
- GSL's revenue has increased significantly.
Key details about the vessels:
- Name: Amulya and Akshay.
- Length: 52 meters.
- Width: 8 meters.
- Weight (Displacement): 320 tonnes.
- Built by: Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).
- Designed by: GSL (in-house).
- Engines: Three 2720 KW diesel engines.
- Speed: Up to 35 knots (about 40 mph).
- Crew: 35 people.
- Armament: One 30mm gun and machine guns.
- Purpose: Patrolling, anti-smuggling, anti-terrorism, coastal defense, wartime communication.
What new technology did GSL use for the launch? They used a new "Ship-Lift System" to launch both vessels at once.
What else is GSL doing?
- They are building a total of eight FPVs for the Indian Coast Guard.
- They are planning to build even faster ships (Fast Attack Crafts) that can reach speeds of up to 37 knots.
Key Organizations/Terms:
- GSL: Goa Shipyard Limited (the company that built the ships).
- Indian Coast Guard: The organization that will use the ships.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat: A government initiative promoting self-reliance in India.
- FPV: Fast Patrol Vessel.
- IAS: Indian Administrative Service (a high-level government service).
- Atharva Veda: An ancient Indian religious text.
In simple terms: A shipyard in Goa has built and launched two new patrol boats for the Indian Coast Guard. These boats are fast and well-equipped for various security tasks. The shipyard used new technology to launch both boats at the same time, and this shows India is becoming more self-sufficient in building its own defense equipment. The shipyard is also planning to build even faster boats in the future.