On Tuesday, the Indian Coast Guard vessel, ‘Sujit’, the second in the series of 105 metres off-shore patrol ships, was commissioned in Goa. This vessel will bolster the Indian Coast Guard’s operational potential to execute verse maritime functions, as per the claims of a spokesman of the Coast Guard. Sujit was commissioned at the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) in Vasco, by the Secretary of Defence Production, Raj Kumar and this episode was convened by the Indian Coast Guard Director General, Krishnaswamy Natarajan and others.
Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, Sujit is designed by Goa Shipyard Limited
This off-shore patrol vessel has been designed and assembled by the GSL and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, navigation and communication tools, sensors and machinery, the spokesman further said. Sujit also boasts of a coherent bridge system, integrated platform and power management systems and high power external fire-fighting. The ship is designed to carry one twin-engine helicopter and four high-speed boats, including two inflatable boats for boarding operations, search and rescue, law enforcement and maritime patrol, he stated.
The spokesperson mentioned, “The ship will be deployed extensively for EEZ (exclusive economic zone) surveillance and other duties as enshrined in the Coast Guard charter.” He added that currently, the Indian Coast Guard has a fleet of 155 ships and 62 aircrafts and 35 more ships are at various stages of construction at different Indian shipyards. Reportedly, 16 advance light helicopters are being prepared at the HAL, Bengaluru, which will strengthen the surveillance capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard to deal with any maritime challenge.
