Keel laying of two Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels for ICG

By PIB Delhi

The keel laying ceremony of Yard 16402 & 16403, the second and third ship of six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), was held at M/s YMPL, Ratnagiri, on March 17, 2026. 

With a range of 5,000 nautical miles, these ships will be capable of achieving a maximum speed of 23 knots. Measuring 117 meters in length and having a strength of 11 officers and 110 men, it will also feature state-of-the-art machinery and advanced technological systems, including AI-based predictive maintenance systems, Remote Piloted Drones, Integrated Bridge System (IBS), and Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).

This ship is being indigenously designed, developed, and constructed by MDL under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, in line with the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The contract for the construction of six Next Generation OPVs was concluded on December 20, 2023.

This initiative marks a key milestone in the ICG’s ongoing efforts to enhance its operational capabilities and bolster coastal security. The addition of a new fleet of NGOPVs will further ensure strengthening the ICG’s role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests.

The ceremony was presided over by IG Sudhir Sahni, TM, DDG (M&M), in the presence of senior officials from the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and MDL.