India Launches First Indigenous Pollution Control Vessel 'Samudra Pratap'
Commissioning of 'Samudra Pratap'
Panaji, Jan 5: The Indian Coast Guard's inaugural pollution control vessel, 'Samudra Pratap', was officially commissioned by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Goa on Monday.
During the ceremony held at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) in Vasco, the Defence Minister emphasized the significance of this event in relation to India's expansive maritime aspirations.
“India views marine resources as a collective heritage of humanity, not the exclusive domain of any single nation. With shared heritage comes shared responsibility. This is why India has emerged as a responsible maritime power today,” he stated.
Singh highlighted the growing threat of marine pollution, noting its potential impact on fishermen's livelihoods, coastal communities, and future generations.
He remarked that 'Samudra Pratap' stands as India's first pollution control vessel designed and constructed domestically, and it is currently the largest vessel in the Coast Guard's fleet.
Over 60% of the materials used in its construction are indigenous, marking a significant advancement towards a self-reliant India. He pointed out that the essence of 'Make in India' is evident in initiatives like this.
Singh expressed pride in the level of indigenous content achieved in such a complex platform, indicating the maturity of India's defense industrial ecosystem.
He also mentioned the government's commitment to enhancing women's participation in the Coast Guard, noting that women have been appointed to key roles such as pilots, observers, air traffic controllers, and logistics officers.
“Women are not just in supportive roles anymore; they are actively engaged in frontline operations,” he added.
Present at the event were Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and ICG Director General Paramesh Sivamani.
The 114.5-meter vessel, constructed by GSL, can reach speeds exceeding 22 knots and has an endurance of 6,000 nautical miles, according to officials.
Weighing 4,200 tonnes, 'Samudra Pratap' will play a vital role in enforcing marine pollution regulations, maritime law enforcement, search and rescue missions, and protecting India's Exclusive Economic Zone.
The commissioning of 'Samudra Pratap', which translates to “Majesty of the seas”, signifies a significant advancement in India's goal of self-reliance in shipbuilding and maritime capabilities, as stated by the ICG.