Indian Coast Guard commissions patrol vessel Saksham

The Indian Coast Guard commissioned its eleventh and final Samarth-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) in a ceremony on Wednesday, March 16.

ICGS Saksham (“Capable”) measures 105 by 13 metres and is crewed by 18 officers and 108 enlisted personnel. Armament includes a 30-millimetre naval gun and two 12.7-millimetre heavy machine guns.

Two 9,100kW diesel engines deliver a maximum speed of 26 knots and a range of 6,000 nautical miles. Also available are a flight deck for one twin-engine helicopter and deck space for two small high-speed boats to be used for boarding and search and rescue (SAR).

The OPV also has equipment for oil spill containment duties.

Saksham was built by Goa Shipyard (GSL).