Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth has called on industry partners to contribute towards making India fully self-sufficient (Aatmanirbhar) in defence production and becoming a net exporter. He made this appeal during the launch of the first indigenously built Pollution Control Vessel, Samudra Pratap, at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) on August 29. The vessel, constructed for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), will aid in managing oil spillage along India’s coastline. Samudra Pratap was named and launched by Neeta Seth, in the presence of Sanjay Seth.
In his address, the minister highlighted India’s ascent to the world’s fifth-largest economy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He expressed satisfaction with the nation’s progress in achieving Aatmanirbharta in shipbuilding for defence needs and expanding shipbuilding capabilities to other countries.
GSL, a leading Indian shipyard, has contracted to build two Pollution Control Vessels for the ICG for Rs 583 Crores. This is the first time these vessels are being designed and constructed entirely in India. The Samudra Pratap measures 114.5 meters in length, 16.5 meters in breadth, and has a displacement of 4,170 tons. The vessel’s keel was laid on November 21, 2022.
The launching ceremony was attended by Brajesh Kumar Upadhyaya, Chairman, and Managing Director of GSL, as well as officials from the Ministry of Defence, ICG, Indian Navy, and Goa Shipyard Ltd. Samudra Pratap stands as a testament to India’s shipbuilding prowess and elevates Goa Shipyard Limited to a prominent position among Indian shipyards capable of producing advanced Pollution Control Vessels.
