New Delhi: India on Monday commissioned Samudra Pratap, India’s first indigenously-designed pollution control vessel and the largest ship in the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) fleet to date. Built with over 60% indigenous content, it marked a major step forward in the country’s pursuit of self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) in shipbuilding and maritime capability development.
The induction of the vessel in Goa, by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is expected to significantly enhance the ICG’s operational capability in pollution control, fire-fighting, maritime safety, environmental protection, and long-duration surveillance and response missions across India’s vast maritime zones.
Describing the ship as an embodiment of India’s mature defence industrial ecosystem, Rajnath Singh said sustained efforts are underway to increase indigenous content in ships to 90%. “ICGS Samudra Pratap has been specially designed for pollution control, but its role is not limited to this alone. As multiple capabilities have been integrated into a single platform, the ship will prove to be effective in coastal patrol, and strengthen maritime safety. It is a product of the modern approach adopted by the GSL to enhance flexibility and readiness to deal with present day maritime challenges,” he said.
The Defence Minister commended the Indian Coast Guard for its multi-dimensional role, ranging from marine pollution response and coastal cleanliness to search and rescue and maritime law enforcement. He said the Coast Guard’s performance sends a clear message that any misadventure against India’s maritime borders will be met with a bold and befitting response.
Highlighting the ship’s advanced pollution detection systems, dedicated response boats, modern firefighting equipment, and helicopter hangar with aviation support facilities, he expressed confidence that Samudra Pratap will be able to operate stably even in rough sea conditions.
Terming marine environment protection a moral responsibility amid climate change and global warming, Rajnath Singh said India is among a select group of countries with advanced environmental response capabilities. He noted that the vessel’s quick detection, precise station-keeping, and efficient recovery systems will help prevent damage to coral reefs, mangroves, fisheries, and marine biodiversity, directly supporting coastal communities and the blue economy.
Emphasizing that clean seas ensure safe trade, safe lives, and a safe environment, he linked the commissioning of the vessel to India’s Grand Maritime Vision and reiterated India’s commitment to peace, stability, and environmental responsibility in the Indo-Pacific region.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening the maritime sector, the Defence Minister said the Indian Coast Guard must evolve from a reactionary force into a proactive, intelligence-driven, and integration-centric organization, with specialized career streams in areas such as maritime law enforcement, environmental protection, and maritime cyber security.
Named Samudra Pratap, meaning ‘Majesty of the Seas’, the ship has a displacement of 4,170 tonnes, a length of 114.5 metres, and speeds exceeding 22 knots. Powered by two 7,500 kW diesel engines with indigenously developed controllable pitch propellers and gearboxes, it has an endurance of 6,000 nautical miles and is equipped with state-of-the-art pollution response systems, an external fire-fighting system (Fi-Fi Class 1), advanced automation and combat systems, and modern armament, including a 30 mm CRN-91 gun and two 12.7 mm stabilized remote-controlled guns.
The vessel, built by Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL), will be based at Kochi under the operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (West), through Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 4 covering Kerala and Mahe.