The Indian Coast Guard Ship Abhinav, the third in the series of 20 fast patrol vessels (FPVs), designed and built by the Cochin Shipyard Limited, was commissioned on January 16 at Kochi by the Director General of Coast Guard, Vice Admiral Anurag G. Thapliyal.

The 50-metre indigenous FPV displaces 290 tonnes and can achieve a maximum speed of 33 knots with an endurance of 1,500 nautical miles at economical speed of 13 knots, equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and advanced communication and navigational equipment. She makes an ideal platform for undertaking multifarious close-coast missions such as surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue and medical evacuation. The special features of the ship include an integrated bridge management system (IBMS), integrated machinery control system (IMCS) and an integrated gun mount with indigenous fire control system (FCS).

In his address during the commissioning ceremony, Vice Admiral Anurag G. Thapliyal termed the FPVs as the workhorses of Coast Guard. The Flag Officer also dwelt upon the fast paced development of the Indian Coast Guard and acknowledged the support of Government for the Coast Guard’s plan to increase force levels substantially to face the emerging security challenges in the maritime domain. He emphasised the importance Government of India accords to coastal security in view of the asymmetric threats from the sea. Indian Coast Guard will be a 150 ships/boats and 100 aircraft maritime force in next five years. In addition to these operational assets, a Coastal Surveillance Network is being established with 46 stations to ensure real time coastal surveillance.

The ship has been named ICGS Abhinav, literally meaning modern, and will be based at Kochi under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (West). The ship is commanded by Commandant (JG) Raman Kumar and has complement of five officers and 34 other ranks.