India commissions first locally-designed multi-role pollution control ship
The ship is equipped with advanced pollution detection systems, dedicated pollution response boats and modern fire-fighting facilities
India has commissioned its first locally-designed pollution control vessel, which will also serve as a coastal patrol ship to conduct surveillance and respond to maritime threats.
The Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samudra Pratap, the first of two pollution control vessels built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), has more than 60% indigenous content and is the largest ship in the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) fleet to date, the defence ministry said today (5 January).
The ministry said the induction of Samudra Pratap will significantly enhance the ICG's operational capability in pollution response, fire-fighting, maritime safety and environmental protection, while also strengthening its capacity to undertake extended surveillance and response missions across India's vast maritime zones.
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Commissioning the vessel today, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said 'Samudra Pratap' had been designed primarily for pollution control, but its role extended well beyond that.
"As multiple capabilities have been integrated into a single platform, the ship will prove effective in coastal patrol and in strengthening maritime safety," he said.
Describing the vessel as "a product of the modern approach adopted by GSL", Singh said it enhances flexibility and readiness to address present-day maritime challenges.
He added that "a clear message" had been sent to India's "adversaries that if they dare to cast an evil eye on India's maritime borders or attempt any misadventure, they will be met with a bold and befitting response."
The ship is equipped with advanced pollution detection systems, dedicated pollution response boats and modern fire-fighting facilities. It also features a helicopter hangar and aviation support infrastructure, significantly extending its operational reach and effectiveness.
Singh expressed confidence that the vessel would be able to operate stably even in rough sea conditions, offering a major advantage during real-life operations.
He said India is among a select group of countries with advanced environmental response capabilities to ensure pollution incidents are controlled in a timely manner, preventing damage to coral reefs, mangroves, fisheries and marine biodiversity.
"This is directly linked to the sustainability of coastal communities and the blue economy," he said, adding that India believes marine resources are not the property of any one nation but a shared heritage of humanity.
