Indian state-owned shipbuilder Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) has delivered the 105 metre naval patrol vessel (NOPV) INS 'Saryu' to the Indian Navy.
The flagship vessel of the Saryu-class NOPV, the 'Saryu' was designed and built in-house by GSL and comprises one of a four-vessel order.
"The NOPV is powered by twin diesel engines, each driving a controllable pitch propeller through a reduction gearbox and is fitted with state-of-the-art navigation, communication and electronic warfare equipment. A 76mm super rapid gun mount (SRGM), two 30 mm guns with associated fire control system, and four chaff launchers form the main weaponry package of the vessel," GSL said in a statement.
The vessel will help meet the increasing requirement of the Indian Navy for ocean surveillance and surface warfare operations and activities.
The 'Saryu' is suitable for monitoring sea lines of communication, defence of offshore oil installations and other critical offshore national assets. The vessel can also be deployed for escorting high value ships and fleet support operations.
Other vessels delivered by GSL include the 'Sunaya', launched in November 2009, the 'Sumitra' launched on December 6, 2010, and the 'Sumedha', which was launched on May 21, 2011. Together with the 'Saryu' these deliveries complete the four vessel contract.
The 105 meter vessel was handed over to the Indian Navy on December 21, 2012 in Goa, in a ceremony attended by Indian Navy and GSL officials.
In Q2 2012, GSL also signed a contract with the Indian Coast Guard to supply six 105-metre offshore patrol vessels (OPVs). These craft will be fitted with modern communication and navigational systems, CCTV for surveillance, and deployable rescue response crafts for rescue and counter-piracy measures.
Since 1964, GSL has built over 180 vessels, including offshore patrol vessels, missile craft, survey vessels, sail training ships, fast patrol vessels, extra fast attack craft, landing craft, offshoresupply vessels and over 100 FRP fast interceptor boats.
J Kanojia
