This website uses cookies to manage authentication, navigation, and other functions. By using our website, you agree that we can place these types of cookies on your device.

Indian Navy Commissions third Saryu class Offshore Patrol Vessel INS “SUMEDHA”

a
Naval Forces News - India
 
 
 
Indian Navy Commissions third Saryu class Offshore Patrol Vessel INS “SUMEDHA”
 
The maritime security of India got a significant boost today with the induction of state-of-the-art new generation Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV), INS ‘SUMEDHA’, indigenously designed in-house and built by Goa Shipyard Limited. The Vessel was formally commissioned into the Indian Navy by VAdm Anil Chopra, PVSM, AVSM, FO C-IN-C East on 7th March 2014 at an impressive ceremony held at the Goa Shipyard Ltd.
     
The maritime security of India got a significant boost today with the induction of state-of-the-art new generation Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV), INS ‘SUMEDHA’, indigenously designed in-house and built by Goa Shipyard Limited. The Vessel was formally commissioned into the Indian Navy by VAdm Anil Chopra, PVSM, AVSM, FO C-IN-C East on 7th March 2014 at an impressive ceremony held at the Goa Shipyard Ltd.
Indian Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel INS “Saryu”, first ship of the class
(Picture: Goa Shipyard)
     
Speaking on the occasion, VAdm Anil Chopra said “the timely delivery of Sumedha is truly testimony to the Navy’s twin pronged commitment to indigenous design and ship construction”.

Congratulating Goa Shipyard for meeting the timelines of the ship’s delivery to the Indian Navy, as well as for the quality of work, VAdm Chopra said “the warship-building process is recognized the world over as one of the most challenging feats of engineering, from design through hull construction, outfitting, integration of diverse equipment, setting to work and finally, the delivery acceptance trials. INS Sumedha, is a fine example of this complex process”.

This 105 meter Vessel is the third in the series of four New class of NOPVs designed and built by Goa Shipyard Ltd for the Indian Navy. INS ‘SUMEDHA’ is the 200th Vessel built by GSL and marks yet another significant milestone in the nation’s journey towards indigenisation and self reliance.

RAdm (Retd) Shekhar Mital, NM, CMD GSL in his address said “even before delivery of ongoing four NOPVs, we have improved upon our own design and CG OPVs with higher head space, larger beam, higher stability, better ship handling capability, higher fuel efficiency (at cruising speed 15% less powering requirement than NOPVs) are under construction. I strongly feel that Indian Navy may like to gain from this advance design by a ‘repeat’ order. Further as per Naval requirement, we can add on anymore weapons / modules in this improved design. Repeat order will optimize cost for Navy, as we will not include any R&D charges on the project and will pass benefit of available improved design to Navy”.

INS ‘SUMEDHA’ will help meet the increasing requirement of the Indian Navy for undertaking ocean surveillance and surface warfare operations in order to prevent infiltration and transgression of maritime sovereignty. This Vessel is suitable for monitoring sea lanes of communication, defence of offshore oil installations and other critical offshore national assets. Besides, the Vessel can be deployed for escorting high value ships and fleet support operations.

CMD GSL further said “keeping into view Maritime Capability Perspective Plan of Navy and Coast Guard, GSL has embarked upon a massive modernisation program aimed at creating new facilities and infrastructure, while augmenting existing ones. We have spent Rs. 300 crore from our own reserves on account of anticipated MCMV project. further modernization Phase III, at cost of Rs. 400 crore is progressing rapidly and is expected to be completed by Jul 2015. This will enable us to deliver quality
ships/MCMV project at a competitive cost, with shorter construction periods and will increase our production capacity and product mix”.

“It is intriguing to me that against 45 naval ships under construction in the country at various shipyards, GSL has only one vessel in hand. I am sure it is our turn to get the attention of Navy and MoD. I am certain that policy makers at MoD and Navy will leverage these strategic assets / ship building capabilities built over the years at GSL”, CMD GSL added.

In accordance with maritime traditions, the Commanding Officer of the Ship
Cdr. Anand E. Kulkarni read the ‘Commissioning Warrant’ after which the National Flag and the Commissioning pennant was hoisted for the first time. The ship was dressed overall with various flags making the event more colourful.

Former Chiefs of Naval Staff, Admiral Arun Prakash and Admiral Sureesh Mehta, VAdm K. R. Nair AVSM CWP&A, RAdm B. S. Parhar NM Flag Officer Commanding Goa area and Naval Aviation, RAdm (Retd) Shekhar Mital, NM, CMD GSL and Senior Officers from the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and GSL were present during the Commissioning Ceremony.