SAMUDRA PRATAP

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Recently, India’s first indigenously developed Pollution Control Vessel (PCV), named ‘Samudra Pratap,’ was launched in Goa.

EXPLANATION:

The vessel, constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), represents a significant milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in defense production.
The launch event was graced by Raksha Rajya Mantri, who emphasized the need for India to not only become self-sufficient (Aatmanirbhar) in defense production but also to establish itself as a net exporter of defense technologies and equipment.

A Significant Step Towards Self-Reliance in Defense

During the launch, Raksha Rajya Mantri underscored the importance of India’s self-reliance in defense.
He called upon industry partners to contribute to the nation’s goal of becoming fully self-sufficient in defense production.
India has risen to become the fifth-largest economy globally.
The country’s progress towards Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) is particularly evident in the shipbuilding sector for defense needs, with India now even constructing ships for other nations.

Samudra Pratap

It has been built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
It is the first indigenously developed Pollution Control Vessel of Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
This Pollution Control Vessel is designed to address and mitigate oil spillage along India’s extensive coastline, enhancing the nation’s maritime environmental protection capabilities.
It is a part of a broader initiative to strengthen the Indian Coast Guard’s capacity to respond to marine pollution incidents.
Goa Shipyard Limited, a leading Indian shipyard, signed a contract valued at Rs 583 Crores to construct two Pollution Control Vessels for the Indian Coast Guard.
Notably, these vessels are being designed and built indigenously for the first time.
The ‘Samudra Pratap’ has been meticulously designed and constructed in-house by GSL to meet the specific operational requirements of the Indian Coast Guard.
The vessel boasts impressive dimensions, with a length of 114.5 meters, a breadth of 16.5 meters, and a displacement of 4,170 tonnes.
The keel-laying ceremony for the ship took place on November 21, 2022, marking the beginning of its construction phase.

Achievements and Future Prospects

The launch of ‘Samudra Pratap’ is a testament to the capabilities of Goa Shipyard Limited and propels the shipyard into the league of Indian shipyards capable of producing state-of-the-art Pollution Control Vessels.
The successful development of this vessel underscores GSL’s expertise in complex shipbuilding projects and its commitment to contributing to India’s defense and maritime security.

Strategic Importance of Pollution Control Vessels

Enhancing Maritime Environmental Security
- The introduction of ‘Samudra Pratap’ into the Indian Coast Guard’s fleet signifies a crucial step in bolstering India’s maritime environmental security.
- With increasing maritime traffic and industrial activities along India’s coastline, the potential for oil spills and other forms of marine pollution has grown.
- Pollution Control Vessels like ‘Samudra Pratap’ are essential tools in the nation’s efforts to prevent and manage oil spills, safeguarding marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
Role in Maritime Operations
- Apart from its primary role in pollution control, the ‘Samudra Pratap’ is expected to play a significant role in the Indian Coast Guard’s overall maritime operations.
- Its capabilities will enhance the Coast Guard’s ability to monitor and respond to environmental incidents, ensuring the protection of India’s maritime interests.
- The vessel’s deployment will contribute to the Coast Guard’s mission of safeguarding the nation’s maritime environment and resources.