Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) in Mumbai held the keel-laying ceremony for a new training ship for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). This marks the start of the construction of a modern ship that will help train future Coast Guard officers, including women.
The ship, known as Yard 16101 is designed to travel 7,500 marine miles without refueling. It is 107 meters long and can reach a top speed of 20 knots. The ship will contain special training features like a training bridge, a chart house, and classrooms to provide hands-on learning at sea. It will train 70 officers at a time after their initial training on land.
The ship will also use the latest technology, including AI-based systems for predicting maintenance, a multipurpose drone and modern control systems to operate efficiently.
Inspector General HK Sharma, Deputy Director General (Material & Maintenance), led the ceremony with senior officials from MDL & the Coast Guard in attendance.
The contract to build the ship was signed in October 2023. It is being fully designed and built in India by MDL under the "Buy (Indian-IDDM)" program, which focuses on using Indian resources and expertise. This project supports the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission to make India self-reliant in defence production.
The ship will play a key role in training Coast Guard officers and improving India’s ability to protect its seas. It also highlights India’s progress in developing advanced ships and reducing reliance on imports for defence needs.(PR)