Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) has delivered the ICGS Akshar to the Coast Guard. This is the second vessel in a series of eight state-of-the-art Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) built under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan initiative. The vessel is 51.43 meters long and 8 meters wide, weighing approximately 330 tons. It is equipped with two marine diesel engines connected to controllable pitch propellers (CPP), a technology used for the first time in this category, significantly enhancing the vessel’s speed and operational capabilities. The vessel can reach speeds exceeding 27 knots and travel up to 1,500 nautical miles without refueling. The ICGS Akshar will accommodate 6 officers and 35 sailors. It will play a crucial role in various operations, including fisheries protection, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance, coastal patrolling, anti-smuggling operations, combating maritime piracy, and search and rescue missions. The delivery of ICGS Akshar not only strengthens maritime security but also represents a significant achievement in the direction of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
