Mumbai: The Plate Cutting Ceremony of Yard 16404, the fourth in a series of six Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) being built for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), was held at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) on Wednesday.
Advancing Indigenous Naval Capabilities
Designed, developed, and constructed indigenously, the NGOPVs are 117-meter-long vessels with a top speed of 23 knots and an operational range of 5,000 nautical miles. With the capacity to accommodate 11 officers and 110 personnel, these ships are tailored for long-duration missions critical to India’s maritime security.
The vessels are being built under the “Buy (Indian-IDDM)” category, reflecting the government’s push for indigenization under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The contract for the project was signed on December 20, 2023, marking a major milestone in India’s efforts to strengthen coastal and offshore defence capabilities.
Advanced Systems for Modern Maritime Security
Equipped with AI-based predictive maintenance tools, remote-piloted drones, Integrated Bridge Systems, and an Integrated Platform Management System, the NGOPVs will enhance operational effectiveness. These technologies will give the Indian Coast Guard superior situational awareness and enable faster response across India’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Ceremony Highlights Commitment to Self-Reliance
The ceremony was presided over by Inspector General N.G. Raveendran, Deputy Director General (Technical), Headquarters ICG Eastern Seaboard, in the presence of A. Vinod, Executive Director (Shipbuilding), MDL, along with senior officials from ICG and MDL.
Speaking at the event, officials underlined that the NGOPV program not only boosts India’s shipbuilding capacity but also ensures the Coast Guard remains equipped to meet emerging maritime security challenges.
Strengthening India’s Maritime Security
Once inducted, the NGOPVs will significantly expand the Indian Coast Guard’s ability to safeguard national maritime interests, deter illegal activities, and respond to crises at sea. Their advanced features will support multi-role operations, from surveillance and interdiction to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
About MDL
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), India’s premier defence shipyard, is a Government of India undertaking under the Ministry of Defence. Established in 1934 and headquartered in Mumbai, MDL specializes in building warships and submarines for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. It has delivered a wide range of frontline platforms, playing a crucial role in advancing India’s self-reliance in naval shipbuilding.
