Kolkata: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited has achieved another major milestone in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing programme with the keel laying of the fourth Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) under Project 06 for the Indian Coast Guard.
The ceremony was held at MDL’s Nhava Yard in Mumbai, marking steady progress in a key naval construction programme aimed at strengthening India’s maritime security infrastructure.
Key Milestone in NGOPV Construction for Indian Coast Guard
The keel laying ceremony signifies an important stage in the construction of the vessel and reflects the ongoing advancement of the NGOPV programme.
The event was attended by senior officials including:
- DIG Vivek Sharma, Principal Director (Technical Services)
- Rajeev Ranjan, Executive Director (Production), MDL
- Senior representatives from the Indian Coast Guard and classification societies
The programme involves the construction of six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels under a contract signed on December 20, 2023.
Strengthening Maritime Security and Coastal Surveillance
The NGOPV project is designed to significantly enhance India’s maritime capabilities, including:
- Coastal surveillance and patrolling
- Rapid response to maritime threats
- Strengthening overall coastal security infrastructure
Once inducted, these vessels are expected to improve operational efficiency across India’s extensive coastline.
Push for Indigenous Defence Manufacturing Under Atmanirbhar Bharat
The vessels are being indigenously designed, developed, and constructed by MDL with advanced systems and modern machinery.
The programme aligns with the Government of India’s vision of Narendra Modi and the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which promotes self-reliance in defence production.
This project highlights India’s growing capability in building complex naval and coast guard platforms domestically.
Collaboration Between Coast Guard and Shipbuilding Industry
The keel laying ceremony also underscored strong coordination between the Indian Coast Guard and MDL.
Officials emphasized that the collaboration is crucial for ensuring timely execution and technological advancement in maritime defence projects.
Strategic Importance of NGOPV Programme
The NGOPV fleet is expected to deliver enhanced capabilities such as:
- Advanced maritime surveillance
- Improved patrol efficiency
- Better response to emergencies and security threats
This will contribute significantly to India’s strategic maritime autonomy and national security preparedness.
The keel laying of the fourth NGOPV marks another step forward in India’s expanding indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem. With continued progress under Project 06, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited is playing a key role in strengthening the country’s maritime defence infrastructure.
About MDL
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited is a leading defence public sector undertaking under the Government of India, specializing in shipbuilding and submarine construction. Based in Mumbai, the company plays a critical role in building naval and offshore vessels for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, contributing significantly to India’s maritime strength and self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
