Goa Shipyard Launches 'Achal', Fifth Fast Patrol Vessel for Indian Coast Guard
The Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) ‘Achal’, the fifth in a series of eight vessels being constructed by Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) for the Indian Coast Guard, was officially launched in Goa today. The ceremony was led by Smt. Kavita Harbola, with the presence of Additional Director General Anil Kumar Harbola, who serves as the Coast Guard Commander for the Western Seaboard.
‘Achal’ has been designed and constructed with dual-class certification from both the American Bureau of Shipping and the Indian Register of Shipping, showcasing India's focus on developing its indigenous defense capabilities. Over 60% of the components used in the vessel are sourced within India, supporting the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The vessel measures 52 meters in length and 8 meters in width, with a displacement of 320 tons. It is equipped with a propulsion system based on a controllable pitch propeller (CPP), which allows it to achieve a maximum speed of 27 knots.
The primary roles of FPV ‘Achal’ include protection, monitoring, control, and surveillance, enabling it to safeguard offshore assets and island territories. This addition will greatly enhance the operational preparedness of the Indian Coast Guard along the western seaboard of India.
The project, valued at Rs 473 crore, has also stimulated the domestic defense manufacturing sector, generating employment and supporting a range of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) involved in its supply chain.
Prominent attendees at the launch included GSL Chairman and Managing Director Shri Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, alongside senior officials from the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and representatives from the shipbuilding industry.
