Mumbai: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, achieved two major milestones in the construction of Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on October 16, 2026. The company laid the keel of the fifth vessel, Y-16505, and conducted the plate-cutting ceremony for the eighth vessel, Y-16508, at its shipyard in Mumbai.
These milestones mark further progress in MDL’s ₹1,070.47 crore contract to design, build and deliver 14 Fast Patrol Vessels for the Indian Coast Guard. The project supports the development of modern, indigenously built maritime platforms for India’s coastal security requirements.
MDL Achieves Two Milestones in Fast Patrol Vessel Project
The keel-laying ceremony for the fifth Fast Patrol Vessel, Y-16505, was presided over by DIG Manish Verma, CSO (Tech), CGC (WS). The plate-cutting ceremony for the eighth vessel, Y-16508, was presided over by DIG Prajapati Thakur, OiC CGSD (MBI).
The ceremonies were attended by Rajiv Ranjan Kumar, Executive Director (P), and A. Vinod, Executive Director (P&PC), of MDL, along with senior officials from the Indian Coast Guard, classification societies American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), and MDL.
Production activities for the fifth vessel, Y-16505, began on October 30, 2025. The latest milestones reflect continued progress in the construction of the vessels under the Indian Coast Guard contract.
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MDL’s ₹1,070.47 Crore Contract for 14 Fast Patrol Vessels
MDL has secured a contract from the Indian Coast Guard to design, construct and deliver 14 Fast Patrol Vessels at a total project cost of ₹1,070.47 crore. The vessels are being designed as high-speed craft to meet the operational requirements of coastal surveillance, maritime law enforcement and fisheries protection. Their construction is being carried out under dual classification from ABS and IRS.
Each vessel will be equipped with a waterjet propulsion system powered by high-speed diesel engines. Under the contract, the vessels are required to achieve a speed of more than 33 knots, supporting rapid deployment and effective maritime operations.
Fast Patrol Vessels to Strengthen Coastal Security
The primary roles of the Fast Patrol Vessels will include coastal patrolling and fisheries protection. Each vessel will also carry a small, high-speed boat to support search-and-rescue operations in shallow and uncharted waters.
In addition to their routine duties, the vessels are designed to undertake several supporting roles during wartime or other operational requirements. These include:
- Providing communication links.
- Escorting coastal convoys.
- Providing logistical support.
- Conducting medical evacuation.
- Supplementing the operational resources of the Indian Navy.
These capabilities are expected to enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s flexibility in responding to maritime security challenges and emergencies along India’s coastline.
MDL Supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence Shipbuilding
The keel-laying and plate-cutting ceremonies represent important stages in the shipbuilding process and demonstrate progress in the execution of MDL’s Fast Patrol Vessel programme.
The project also reflects MDL’s commitment to developing and delivering modern, indigenously built defence platforms in line with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. By expanding domestic shipbuilding capabilities, the programme supports India’s efforts to strengthen maritime security and promote self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
About Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is a Schedule ‘A’ Navratna public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Headquartered in Mumbai, MDL is a major shipbuilding company involved in the construction of warships and submarines for the Indian Navy and other vessels for domestic and international customers.
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