India Commissions First Fast Patrol Vessel ICGS Priyadarshini

The First of the Class of 05 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), named “ICGS- Priyadarshini” built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE), was commissioned at Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh state, located in Southern India on Friday.

The ship ICGS Priyadarshini is the first in the series. The remaining four ships are in advanced stages of construction, the company said in a statement.

The FPV is a medium range surface vessel capable of operations in the maritime zones of India. These powerful, fuel-efficient platforms are designed to perform multipurpose operations like patrolling, anti-smuggling, anti-poaching and rescue operations.

The entire design of these FPVs has been developed in-house by GRSE as per requirements specified by Indian Coast Guard.

The ship is 50 meters long, 7.5 meters wide with a displacement of around 308 tonnes. It is designed for a maximum speed of 34 knots with an endurance of more than 1500 nautical miles, and is equipped with 3 main engines with advanced control systems, water jet units and an integrated bridge system integrating all communication and navigation systems.

The ships are also fitted with 40/60 gun as the main armament and will also have improved habitability features with fully air-conditioned modular accommodation for 35 personnel.

The FPV designs are an improvisation of the Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs) built by the Shipyard for the Indian Coast Guard, a few years ago.