The ICGS Sarthak is a self-built Indian Coast Guard vessel. Commissioned in Goa in the month of October 2021.
Highlights
ICGS is based in Porbandar in the state of Gujarat. This is the fourth on the line of five offshore patrol vessels (OPVs). The Goa Shipyard Limited for the Indian Coast Guard built all the five OPVs. The length of ICGS Sarthak is 105 meters. It is powered by two 9.1KW diesel engines andcan run at a top speed of 26 knots. It is a Samarth-class offshore patrol boat. This is an improvement over the previous vessels of the Sankalp class. The commissioning of the ship will greatly support India’s maritime safety. It operates on the west coast of India under the operation and control of the Commander of the Coast Guard Northwest Region.
Details of ICGS Sarthak
It features an integrated bridge system, integrated mechanical control system, energy management system and external high performance fire extinguishing system. It is designed to carry twin engine helicopters, five high speed boats as well as two palfinger boats. Palfinger is a manufacturer of life-saving equipment. The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, machines, sensors and weapons to act as a command platform. The vessel also undertakes the mandatory Coast Guard charter for missions such as search and rescue, conservation and protection of the marine environment, and the fight against marine crime. This is a great example of Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Operations of ICGS Sarthak
The ship is equipped with weapons, sensors and machinery. Therefore, this ship will take part in missions related to Search and Rescue Operations, Environmental Conservation and Protection Fighting Marine Crime.
Reason for the deployment of ICGS Sarthak
In 2008, there were numerous terrorist attacks in the city Mumbai. These attacks are commonly referred to as the 2008 Mumbai attack. The terrorists in the attack arrived in India by sea. After the attack, the Indian Government planned to triple the Indian Coast Guard’s infrastructure, forces as well as assets. In the year 2012, the government signed a $ 400 million contract with Goa Shipyard Limited to build six offshore patrol vessels. By the year 2017, all six vessels were in service. However, in the year 2016, a successor to five patrol vessels was deployed. ICGS Sarthak is one of five. The second of the six vessels was called Sujeet and was commissioned in the year 2020. The third is called Sajag and started operation in the month of March 2021. ICGS Sarthak is the 4th.
