L&T Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of leading Indian engineering company Larsen & Toubro (L&T), has delivered its first indigenously designed and constructed high speed interceptor boat (IB) to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
"The boat has been build using the latest 3D software at L&T's state-of-the-art Marine Design Centre. The boat was first developed as a virtual vessel in the office environment to ensure compliance with operability, maintainability and buildability, before issuing the drawings to the shop floor," L&T said in release.
This is the first of 36 such high speed interceptor boats, which L&T won from the Indian Coast Guard in March, 2010, in a deal worth USD177 million.
"The interceptor has a full aluminium construction for reduced weight and is powered by twin water jet propulsion systems to enable quick response, which is vital for coastal surveillance activities. It has an ability to operate effectively in shallow water which will be critical for near-shore action. These boats are expected to significantly enhance India's coastal security," the release adds.
"The 30 metre long interceptor boat has a 90 tonne displacement and is designed for high speed interception, close-coast patrol, low-intensity maritime operations, search and rescue and maritime surveillance. The craft can cruise at a maximum speed of 45 knots and is loaded with state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment and medium range armament," the Indian Coast Guard said in statement.
The vessel will be based at Mundra under the Administrative and Operational Control of the Commander Coast Guard Region (North-West) and will be commanded by Deputy Commandant Lakshya Sharma.
During recent sea trials, L&T commented that the boat had "achieved the stringent performance parameters of speed and endurance."
The interceptor boat was constructed at L&T's shipyard at Hazira, Gujarat.
J Kanojia
