Goa: In a landmark event underscoring India’s growing maritime capabilities and environmental commitment, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today commissioned the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samudra Pratap, the first indigenously designed and built Pollution Control Vessel (PCV), at the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) in Vasco da Gama, Goa.
The ceremony marks a significant milestone for India’s coastal defence infrastructure and its march towards Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence shipbuilding.
Details of ICGS Samudra Pratap Commissioning
At the commissioning ceremony, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted Samudra Pratap as an “embodiment of India’s mature defence industrial ecosystem” that reflects the progress of indigenous technology and sustainable environmental initiatives.
With over 60 % indigenous content, this vessel aligns with the Government of India’s Make-in-India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat goals — pushing for self-reliance in critical maritime assets.
The Defence Minister emphasized that Samudra Pratap’s induction strengthens India’s role as a responsible maritime power and showcases the country’s commitment to protecting its marine environment amid growing global ecological concerns.
Features of ICGS Samudra Pratap
Here are the features of ICGS Samudra Pratap;
Technical Profile
Built by Goa Shipyard Limited, Samudra Pratap measures 114.5 meters in length, displaces roughly 4,170 tonnes, and is capable of speeds exceeding 22 knots, empowered by advanced diesel propulsion systems.
The vessel’s pollution control specialization includes:
- Advanced pollution detection systems
- Dynamic positioning and sweeping arms for oil spill containment
- High-capacity skimmers and floating booms
- Onboard pollution response boats and portable barges
- Integrated pollution control laboratory
It is also equipped with modern maritime technology like the Integrated Bridge System, Integrated Platform Management System, Automated Power Management System, and Fi-Fi Class 1 firefighting system, making it highly capable during emergencies at sea.
Multi-Role Operational Strength
Beyond pollution mitigation, Samudra Pratap supports:
- Coastal patrol
- Maritime law enforcement
- Search and rescue operations
- Firefighting response
- Extended surveillance across India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
Its armament includes a 30 mm CRN-91 main gun and two 12.7 mm stabilised remote-controlled guns, allowing the vessel to support security and enforcement missions alongside environmental operations.
Importance of ICGS Samudra Pratap in Environmental & Maritime Security
The commissioning of Samudra Pratap comes at a time when maritime nations are intensifying efforts to handle ecological threats such as oil spills, chemical discharges, and coastal pollution.
India’s vast coastline — spanning more than 7,500 km — underlines the strategic value of an advanced platform dedicated to marine environment protection.
The vessel enhances the Indian Coast Guard’s capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to pollution incidents, offering crucial support for maritime governance, community safety, and regional environmental security.
Pioneering Inclusivity — Women Officers Onboard
In a first for frontline Coast Guard ships, Samudra Pratap will see women officers deployed in operational roles, reflecting India’s shift towards greater gender inclusivity in defence services.
This progressive development underscores not just capability but also cultural evolution within maritime forces.
