ICGS Akshar: Second Adamya-Class Fast Patrol Vessel Joins Indian Coast Guard Fleet

In a significant boost to India's maritime security, the Indian Coast Guard has officially commissioned ICGS Akshar, the second vessel in a series of eight Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels, at Karaikal. This event took place on Saturday, marking an important step in enhancing the nation's surveillance capabilities.

The 51-meter-long ICGS Akshar has been indigenously crafted and constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited, aligning with the government's initiatives of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. With more than 60% of its components sourced locally, the vessel is a testament to India's increasing self-sufficiency in defense shipbuilding.

The commissioning ceremony was officiated by Smt. Dipti Mohil Chawla, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, and saw the presence of Additional Director General Donny Michael, Commander of the Coast Guard Eastern Seaboard, along with other prominent officials from both central and state governments.

The ICGS Akshar boasts advanced capabilities, displacing around 320 tons and powered by two 3,000 KW diesel engines, enabling it to achieve speeds up to 27 knots. The vessel has an operational range of 1,500 nautical miles and features two indigenously made Controllable Pitch Propellers and gearboxes, boosting its maneuverability and operational versatility.

It is equipped with a 30 mm CRN 91 gun and two 12.7 mm Stabilized Remote-Controlled Guns, all integrated with sophisticated fire-control systems. The ship's technological advancements include an Integrated Bridge System, Integrated Platform Management System, and Automated Power Management System, ensuring efficient and automated operations.

Strategically based at Karaikal in Puducherry, under the command of the Coast Guard Region (East), ICGS Akshar will carry out coastal surveillance, combat smuggling, prevent poaching, and conduct search-and-rescue operations across India's maritime regions.

The name 'Akshar', which translates to 'imperishable', is a reflection of the Coast Guard's steady commitment to ensuring safe, secure, and clean maritime environments.

The induction of ICGS Akshar signifies the Indian Coast Guard's ongoing efforts to enhance its fleet with modern and locally built vessels, thereby strengthening India's maritime prowess and preparedness in the Indo-Pacific region.