The maritime security of India got a significant boost recently with the induction of state-of-the-art new generation Naval offshore patrol vessel (NOPV), INS ‘Sumedha’, indigenously designed and built by Goa Shipyard Limited. The vessel was formally commissioned into the Indian Navy by VAdm Anil Chopra, FO C-IN-C East on March 7.

VAdm Anil Chopra said “the timely delivery of Sumedha is truly testimony to the Navy’s twin pronged commitment to indigenous design and ship construction”.

Congratulating Goa Shipyard for meeting the timelines of the ship’s delivery to the Indian Navy, as well as for the quality of work, VAdm Chopra said “the warship-building process is recognized the world over as one of the most challenging feats of engineering, from design through hull construction, outfitting, integration of diverse equipment, setting to work and finally, the delivery acceptance trials. INS Sumedha, is a fine example of this complex process”.

This 105 metre Vessel is the third in the series of four New class of NOPVs designed and built by GSL for the Indian Navy. INS ‘Sumedha’ is the 200th Vessel built by GSL and marks yet another significant milestone in the nation’s journey towards indigenisation and selfreliance.

RAdm (Retd) Shekhar Mital, NM, CMD GSL said “even before delivery of ongoing four NOPVs, we have improved upon our own design and CG OPVs with higher head space, larger beam, higher stability, better ship handling capability, higher fuel efficiency (at cruising speed 15 per cent less powering requirement than NOPVs) are under construction. I strongly feel that Indian Navy may like to gain from this advance design by a ‘repeat’ order. Further as per naval requirement, we can add on anymore weapons/modules in this improved design. Repeat order will optimise cost for Navy, as we will not include any R&D charges on the project and will pass benefit of available improved design to Navy”.

INS ‘Sumedha’ will help meet the increasing requirement of the Indian Navy for undertaking ocean surveillance and surface warfare operations in order to prevent infiltration and transgression of maritime sovereignty. This vessel is suitable for monitoring sea lanes of communication, defence of offshore oil installations and other critical offshore national assets. Besides, the Vessel can be deployed for escorting high value ships and fleet support operations.

CMD GSL further said “keeping in view the Maritime Capability Perspective Plan of Navy and Coast Guard, GSL has embarked upon a massive modernisation programme aimed at creating new facilities and infrastructure, while augmenting existing ones. We have spent Rs. 300 crore from our own reserves on account of anticipated MCMV project. further modernization Phase III, at cost of Rs. 400 crore is progressing rapidly and is expected to be completed by Jul 2015. This will enable us to deliver quality ships/MCMV project at a competitive cost, with shorter construction periods and will increase our production capacity and product mix.”

“It is intriguing to me that against 45 naval ships under construction in the country at various shipyards, GSL has only one vessel in hand. I am sure it is our turn to get the attention of Navy and MoD. I am certain that policy makers at MoD and Navy will leverage these strategic assets/ship building capabilities built over the years at GSL”, CMD GSL added.