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.

SOURCE: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2049860