Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to officially induct a major new asset into India's maritime security framework. He will commission the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samudra Pratap, the first of two sophisticated pollution control vessels, in a ceremony in Goa on Monday, January 5, 2026.
A Guardian Against Maritime Pollution
The primary mission of the ICGS Samudra Pratap is to protect India's vast marine environment. The vessel is outfitted with advanced systems specifically designed to detect and combat oil spills. This capability allows the Indian Coast Guard to conduct comprehensive pollution response operations not only within India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) but also in international waters when required.
According to the Indian Coast Guard, the ship's specialized equipment enables it to perform high-precision operations. It can recover pollutants from viscous oil, analyse various contaminants, and separate oil from contaminated water, making it a critical tool for environmental preservation.
Indigenous Power and Advanced Specifications
The commissioning event will take place at the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) facility in Vasco, South Goa. The ceremony will be attended by Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Indian Coast Guard Director General Paramesh Sivamani, and other senior officials.
Highlighting the push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the ICGS Samudra Pratap is a testament to indigenous engineering. The vessel, constructed by GSL, incorporates over 60 per cent indigenous content. It is an imposing 114.5 metres long, displaces 4,200 tonnes, and can achieve speeds exceeding 22 knots. With an impressive endurance of 6,000 nautical miles, it can undertake prolonged missions far from the coast.
Cutting-Edge Systems for Multi-Role Operations
Beyond pollution control, the ship is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to enhance the ICG's overall operational profile. Its formidable arsenal includes a 30mm CRN-91 naval gun and two 12.7mm stabilised remote-controlled guns, all integrated with advanced fire control systems. For navigation and management, it features an indigenously developed integrated bridge system, an integrated platform management system, and an automated power management system.
A high-capacity external fire-fighting system further bolsters its ability to respond to emergencies at sea. This combination of features significantly upgrades the Coast Guard's capabilities in maritime safety, security, and fire-fighting roles.
Following its commissioning, the ICGS Samudra Pratap will be based at the Indian Coast Guard station in Kochi, from where it will patrol and safeguard the vital maritime zones of the western seaboard.
