Paradip: Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Sujay was formally inducted into the Indian Coast Guard service Monday, taking the number of patrol vessels to seven.
Sujay, developed completely on indigenous technology at Goa shipyard, has taken the place of Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Bajra and would join other six ICGSs that have been deployed on Orissa coast for protection of the country. Bajra would be off-service soon, Coast Guard sources said.
Sujay having a length of 105 metre and weight of 2,350 tonne has a fuel holding capacity of 9,000 kilo litre and can move at a speed of 23 nautical miles (41.4 km) an hour. While a commanding officer would be in charge of the patrolling ship, 12 other officers and 94 jawans would always be on board. The ship can be used for surveillance of about 6,000 nautical miles in the special economic zone of Indian waters.
Apart from guarding Indian waters, the OPV would come in handy during natural calamities like floods and cyclones, in checking the maritime pollution and protection of Olive Ridley sea turtles, officials said, adding, two helicopters can take off at a time from the ship. The vessel has an array of arms including missiles to face any eventuality during surveillance.
DIG Rajesh Makwana of Indian Coast Guard head office in Orissa made the formal announcement of the commissioning of the ship at a programme Monday. Among others, Paradip port chairman Rinkesh Roy, Paradeep Phosphates Limited head VK Sinha, Oil refinery chief GS Singh and other officials were present on the occasion.
While DIG Rajesh requested the port chairman to set up a special helipad, the latter proposed to make Bajra a museum to attract tourists and students. PNN
