Goa: Coast Guard commissions patrol vessel ICGS Sajag

PANAJI: At a time when the Indian Coast Guard finds itself assisting in disaster relief operations and maritime accidents, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval commissioned a 105m offshore patrol vessel ICGS Sajag. Built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), the indigenously-built warship will be based at Porbandar, Gujarat and will be deployed extensively for EEZ surveillance.
The commissioning of the ship is yet another addition to the Indian Coast Guard’s fleet of 157 ships and 62 aircraft.
The commissioning of ICGS Sajag will enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s operational capability to discharge multifarious maritime tasks, said Doval.
ICGS Sajag is the third in the series of 105m Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) being built by GSL. Fitted with a 40/ 60 Bofors gun and two 12.7 mm guns, the ship is designed to carry one twin engine helicopter and four high speed boats, including two inflatable boats for boarding operation, search and rescue, law enforcement and maritime patrol. “The sustenance and reach, coupled with the latest and modern equipment and system, provides her the capability to perform the role of a command platform and undertake tasks to fulfill the Coast Guard charter,” the Coast Guard said in a statement.
The Coast Guard said that the ship is propelled by two 9100 KW diesel engines and can attain a maximum speed of 26 knots.
The force has 34 surface platforms at various stages of construction at different Indian shipyards and 16 Advance Light Helicopters are under production at HAL, Bengaluru which will provide the added strength to the surveillance capabilities of ICG to deal with the ever-dynamic maritime challenges, said director general Indian Coast Guard Krishnaswamy Natarajan.