Visakhapatnam :
The central government has approved the setting up of 38 radar stations across the country in the second phase under Coastal Surveillance Network, said defence secretary R K Mathur, adding that the first phase of the network comprising 46 radar stations was expected to be completed by October. Out of the 46 radar stations to be set up in the first phase, six are in AP, including Kalingapatnam, Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Machilipatnam, Ramaiayapatnam and Krishnapatnam.
Speaking to mediapersons on the sidelines of the commissioning the Inshore Patrol Vessel (IPV) ICGS Rajveer for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Mathur said the overall expansion plan of coast guard was to include 150 different type of ships with an appropriate mix of pollution control vehicles, IPVs, Offshore Patrol Vehicles and interceptor crafts depending on the needs of the coast guard. At present the ICG has 87 ships and 16 aircrafts under its control. Mentioning that the sophisticated IPV built by Garden Research Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) amply demonstrates the indigenous ship building capability of the country, he said, “The focus is now on shortening delivery periods.” Furthermore, he said that many more vessels were at various stages of construction in both public and private ship building yards. “ICG is on its way to be one of the most strongest and potent coast guards of the world. ICG is on the right path of growth,” he added.
Pointing out that coastal security remains one of the prime concerns, he said, “Induction of new assets would definitely boost the ICG’s efforts to provide a safe coastline. Establishment of coastal security network will ensure maximum protection.” He also said that the Indian Navy and Coast Guard were working in a synergised manner with stage governments to achieve the overall objective of maritime security.
On the commissioning of the seventh in series of eight ships at the Coast Guard jetty here on Saturday, GRSE chairman-cum-managing director Rear Admiral (retd) A K Verma said, “We hope to deliver the eighth IPV by end of this month. The first ship under this class was delivered in January 2012. With the delivery of this ship, we have delivered at the rate of one ship every two-and-half months.”
Stating that ship a 75% indigenisation level as most of the machinery was sourced from Indian vendors, he added that the ship is a cost effective and fuel efficient platform.
The 50 metre IPV commissioned on Saturday is equipped with the most advanced and sophisticated navigational communication sensors and equipment, said vice-admiral Anurag G Thapliyal, director general, Indian Coast Guard.
The ship is propelled to a maximum speed of 35 knots by three MTU 4000 Series Diesel engines of 2720KW capacity at 2100 rpm each, coupled with three 71S2 Rolls Royce Kamewa Jets. At an economical speed of 14 knots, it has an endurance of 1500 nautical miles.
The special features of the ship include an Integrated Bridge System, Integrated Machinery Control System and an indigenously built 30-mm gun mount with fire control system. The ship is designed to carry one rigid inflatable boat and two Geminis for search and rescue, law enforcement and maritime patrol.
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Visakhapatnam> Indian Coast Guard / TNN / August 11th, 2013