Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) ‘Akshar’, the second in a series of eight Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), was officially commissioned at Karaikal, Puducherry. The vessel will be based at Karaikal under the administrative and operational control of Commander, Coast Guard Region (East) through Commander, Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 13. It will undertake surveillance of maritime zones, coastal security, law enforcement, and search and rescue (SAR) operations — fulfilling key mandates under the Indian Coast Guard Charter.
About ICGS Akshar
- Builder: Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL)
- Class: Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV)
- Length: 51 metres
- Displacement: ~320 tons
- Engines: Twin 3,000 KW diesel engines
- Speed: 27 knots (approx. 50 km/h)
- Endurance: 1,500 nautical miles
- Indigenization: Over 60% indigenous content
- Symbolism: ‘Akshar’ means “Imperishable” in Sanskrit — symbolizing the Indian Coast Guard’s resolve to protect India’s maritime frontiers.
Key Features and Armament
Weapon Systems:
- 30 mm CRN 91 Naval Gun
- Two 12.7 mm Stabilized Remote-Controlled Guns (SRCG)
- Integrated Fire Control System
Advanced Systems:
- Integrated Bridge System (IBS)
- Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS)
- Automated Power Management System (APMS)
Propulsion:
- Fitted with indigenously developed Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) and gearboxes, ensuring high manoeuvrability and operational flexibility.
Strategic and Operational Role
- To be deployed for:
- Maritime surveillance
- Coastal security and anti-smuggling operations
- Search and rescue (SAR) missions
- Fisheries protection
- Law enforcement in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
- Strengthens India’s coastal defence infrastructure and blue-water maritime capabilities.
- Aligns with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India through indigenous shipbuilding.
Significance
- Strengthens India’s maritime security architecture in the Eastern seaboard.
- Promotes self-reliant defence production under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
- Enhances coastal surveillance, fisheries protection, and emergency response capabilities.
- Reflects India’s growing prowess in indigenous naval shipbuilding and marine technology.
Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL)
- Established: 1957 (as a small barge repair facility)
- Location: Vasco-da-Gama, Goa
- Administrative Control: Ministry of Defence, Government of India
- Notable Builds: Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels (AOPVs), Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), and Interceptor Boats.
- Key Contributions: Leading shipyard contributing to India’s indigenous naval fleet modernization and export of patrol vessels to friendly foreign nations.
Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
- Founded: 1 February 1977
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Motto: “Vayam Rakshamah” — “We Protect”
- Director General (as of 2025): [Check latest name before exam; currently DG Rakesh Pal (2024)]
- Parent Ministry: Ministry of Defence
- Primary Functions: Maritime safety, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, environmental protection, and search and rescue.
Adamya-class FPVs
- Designed for quick response and multi-role coastal operations.
- Series of eight vessels built by GSL for ICG’s Eastern and Western regions.
- First vessel: ICGS Adamya commissioned earlier.
Karaikal (Puducherry)
- Strategic Coast Guard base on India’s Eastern seaboard.
- Enhances surveillance over the Bay of Bengal and Tamil Nadu coastal belt.