Cochin Shipyard Limited Launched Its Third Fast Patrol Vessel for Indian Coast Guard

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) on 28 May 2013 launched its third Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) which is built for the Indian Coast Guard. The vessel was launched by Nina Paul Antony, the Chairman of Cochin Port Trust. This vessel was named Abhinav.

About the Fast Patrol Vessel

• The Fast Patrol Vessel was named Abhinav.
• The Fast Patrol Vessel weighs 120 tons and was placed on the specially designed cradles at the dock head which was hoisted by the gantry crane.
• This vessel is third in series of 20 numbers FPVs contracted by CSL.
• The primary objective of the vessel is monitoring, fisheries protection as well as patrolling within within exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Also, the objective of this vessel is coastal patrolling and involvement in patrolling for anti smuggling, search and rescue operations and for anti piracy operations.
• The secondary role of the vessel is to provide communication link as well as escort convoys during the war time as well as hostilities.
• The three Fast Patrol Vessels are small in size but they are technologically challenged and complex.
• These ships are propelled by water jets in order to achieve the speed of 33 knots.
• Cochin Shipyard developed certain special techniques in order to make sure of the high quality welding as well as fabrication of Aluminium structures.

At present, the Cochin Shipyard has 25 ships on the order which consists of 20 Fast Patrol Vessels, 3 Offshore Support ships for Indian and foreign owners, one Prestigious Aircraft Carrier for the Indian Navy as well as 1 Buoy Tender vessel for the Department of Lighthouses and Lightships.