VASCO: Goa Governor Mridula Sinha on Thursday launched a 105-meter, new-generation offshore patrol vessel (OPV), which is fifth in a series of six OPVs being designed in-house and built by Goa Shipyard Limited for the Indian Coast Guard.
Addressing the gathering during the launch at the GSL premises, Sinha, who was the chief guest, stated, “GSL has delivered two vessels of this new class CGOPV recently within the contractual timelines, which are contributing significantly towards the protection of our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and coastlines more effectively and efficiently. GSL has steadily built up the expertise and skill in undertaking complex shipbuilding projects, thus establishing for itself a niche in the shipbuilding industry”.
She also lauded GSL’s role in implementing Government of India initiatives, including the Swachh Bharat Mission, and further said, “The way GSL has actively participated in the Swachh Bharat Mission and has been contributing towards development under CSR scheme, even the other industrial units and corporate houses from Goa should come forward and contribute towards the development of the State.”
“The way Swachh Bharat Mission has been getting support from the people of Goa, I believe that the target of making Goa the cleanest State in the country by December 2016 will surely be met,” she added.
While complimenting GSL for its timely deliveries, ICG Inspector General S K Goyal stated, “The launch of the fifth vessel will be another major milestone towards our goal of having an adequate number of such ships in our inventory. Keeping in mind GSL’s track record of timely deliveries, Coast Guard is confident to take delivery of this ship very soon.”
Rear Admiral Shekhar Mital, NM, IN (Retd) CMD, GSL said, “It is a historic moment for any shipyard to deliver the first two ships of a new class, based on 100 percent in-house design, before the contractual schedule. GSL has been successful in significantly reducing the build period of OPVs to three years due to ingenious innovations, hard work and team spirit of GSL employees.”
