New Delhi: Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) formally handed over the newly built fast patrol vessel ICGS Amulya to the Indian Coast Guard. This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to strengthen India’s coastal and offshore security architecture.
As the third ship in an eight-vessel series, Amulya’s induction adds momentum to the country’s push under the “Make in India” ethos, aiming to enhance maritime surveillance, interdiction, and search-and-rescue capabilities.
Background of ICGS Amulya & GSL’s Role
The vessel ICGS Amulya belongs to the Adamya-class patrol vessel series — a set of eight fast patrol vessels (FPVs) being constructed by GSL for the Indian Coast Guard.
The contract for these eight FPVs was awarded around 2022, under the “Buy (Indian–IDDM)” category, with GSL responsible for both design and construction. These vessels are the first in ICG to feature controllable-pitch propeller (CPP) based propulsion systems — a significant upgrade over previous classes.
Earlier vessels in the series, such as ICGS Adamya (first) and ICGS Akshar (second), have already been delivered and commissioned in 2025. GSL’s shipbuilding programme for the Coast Guard underscores India’s growing emphasis on self-reliance in defence manufacturing, aligning with both “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives.
ICGS Amulya: Technical Specifications & Capabilities
ICGS Amulya is designed with parameters that make it a versatile and capable addition to the Coast Guard’s fleet.
Dimensions & Displacement: The vessel measures 51.43 metres in length, with a beam (breadth) of 8 metres, and displaces 330 tonnes at a draught of 2.5 metres.
Propulsion & Performance: Powered by twin marine diesel engines driving controllable-pitch propellers (CPP), Amulya is capable of speeds exceeding 27 knots. The onboard integrated machinery control system supports efficient long-duration deployments.
Endurance & Range: The ship offers an endurance of approximately 1,500 nautical miles — enabling extended patrols, surveillance missions, and operational flexibility.
Crew Capacity: The complement consists of six officers and 35 sailors — adequate for sustained operations without overburdening personnel.
Operational Roles: Amulya is purpose-built for a variety of maritime security tasks:
- Fisheries protection and monitoring
- Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance
- Coastal patrols
- Anti-smuggling and anti-piracy operations
- Search-and-rescue (SAR) missions
- Escort and communication roles during hostilities or crisis scenarios
With these specifications, ICGS Amulya represents a state-of-the-art platform suited to India’s complex maritime security environment.
Significance of the Handover — Strategic & Symbolic
The delivery of Amulya by GSL to the Coast Guard carries both strategic and symbolic value:
Enhancing Maritime Security: With India’s extensive coastline and growing maritime interests — from protecting fisheries to safeguarding shipping lanes — vessels like Amulya bolster the Coast Guard’s ability to respond swiftly to emerging threats, smuggling networks, or distress calls at sea.
Operational Flexibility: The FPV’s high speed, long endurance, and modern propulsion give the Coast Guard the agility to operate effectively even in remote or challenging maritime zones.
Backing Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence: The fact that Amulya is indigenously designed and built — with over 60% indigenous content, custom CPP-based propulsion, and onboard systems — underscores India’s advancing shipbuilding capabilities and decreasing dependence on foreign platforms.
Signaling Production Momentum: GSL’s ability to deliver multiple vessels within a short period reflects maturity in production processes, quality control, and project management — encouraging for future shipbuilding programmes, both for domestic needs and potential export.
What Lies Ahead — The Remaining FPV Fleet & Strategic Outlook
Amulya is the third vessel in the eight-ship FPV series; five more remain to be completed and handed over. As GSL continues work on the remaining vessels, the Coast Guard’s fast-patrol capacity will expand further, enabling comprehensive coverage of India’s maritime zones.
Once fully commissioned, the FPV fleet will significantly enhance India’s coastal surveillance grid, strengthening response readiness to threats ranging from piracy and smuggling to maritime disasters and ecological emergencies. Moreover, the success of this fleet may pave the way for future indigenous shipbuilding projects — across patrol, offshore, and possibly even larger naval vessels — bolstering India’s long-term maritime defence posture.
About Goa Shipyard Limited
Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), established in 1957, is a Defence Public Sector Undertaking located at Vasco-da-Gama, Goa, operating under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
With modern infrastructure — including a 6,000-ton ship lift, steel-preparation shop, CAD/CAM design facilities and ERP-enabled project management — GSL ensures quality and timely delivery, reinforcing India’s push for indigenously built defence assets under “Make in India” / “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”.
Over its history, GSL has built more than 200 ships and over 100 fast-interceptor / patrol boats — a record that underlines its significant contribution to strengthening India’s maritime security and naval manufacturing capability.
