Keel Laid for First Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel at MDL
In a significant milestone for India’s maritime defence capability, the keel was laid for Yard 16401, the first of six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) being built for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The ceremony took place on July 22, 2025, at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) in Mumbai.
Advanced Patrol Vessel to Strengthen Coastal Security
The upcoming NGOPV is a 117-meter-long ship with cutting-edge capabilities. It is designed to achieve a top speed of 23 knots and will have a crew capacity of 11 officers and 110 personnel. The vessel boasts a range of 5,000 nautical miles, enabling long-duration deployments across India’s vast maritime zones.
Equipped with Future-Ready Technologies
These NGOPVs will integrate modern systems such as:
- AI-based Predictive Maintenance
- Remote Piloted Drones
- Integrated Bridge System (IBS)
- Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS)
Such features will significantly improve operational efficiency, surveillance, and real-time decision-making for the Indian Coast Guard.
Built Under Aatmanirbhar Bharat Initiative
The vessels are being constructed under a contract signed on December 20, 2023, fully indigenous and aligned with the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. This initiative supports the government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat by promoting domestic shipbuilding and technological self-reliance.
Keel-Laying Ceremony Attended by Senior Officials
The ceremony was presided over by Deputy Inspector General RH Nandodkar, Chief Staff Officer (Technical) at ICG Regional Headquarters (North West). Also present were A. Vinod, Executive Director (Ship Building) at MDL, along with other senior officials from ICG and MDL.
These NGOPVs will enhance India’s maritime domain awareness and play a pivotal role in patrolling, law enforcement, search and rescue, and pollution response operations.
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