Paradip: With a move aimed at strengthening the Indian Coast Guard’s maritime protection capabilities off eastern coast, an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) ‘Vijaya’ arrived at the Paradip coast on yesterday.
‘Vijaya’ which have been constructed at L&T Sea Pad at Chennai was received by Coast Guard DIG Rakesh Makwana at the Paradip coast in the presence of other officials.
Fitted with advanced navigation and communication equipment the new OPV measures 98-metre in length and is capable of carrying limited pollution response equipment to contain oil spill in sea. In addition it has also been equipped with a 30 mm gun with fire control system.
Aimed at providing extensive surveillance to the 480 kilometre long coastline of Odisha the new ship is expected to check the Rohingya influx from neighbouring country Myanmar which has turned into a big issue in recent times for the state.
‘Vijaya’ headed by Commandant Harinder Jit Singh will be manned by 12 officers and 91 men.
‘Vijaya’ was launched on September 14 by Defence secretary, Sanjay Mitra aiming at providing extensive surveillance to the Exclusive Economic Zones in the country. It is also capable of carrying out search and rescue operations.
The Indian Coast Guard is currently equipped with 137 ships and 62 aircraft whereas 61 ships are at various stages of construction.
Also Read: Capesize vessel ‘URJA’ anchors at Paradip port
Ms Kalinga