Cochin Shipyard Launches Fast Patrol Vessel ABHIRAJ

Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) launched the fourth Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) being built for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on September 30th. The vessel, bearing yard Hull No. BY 504, was named ‘ABHIRAJ’.

The vessel is the fourth in a series of 20 numbers FPVs contracted by CSL for the ICG. The contract was signed in 2010 with delivery of the last vessel slated for 2017. The vessels are being built under the dual classification requirements of ABS and IRS. The 50 metre x 7.6 metre x 4.65 metre vessels have a designed speed of 33 knots. The primary role of the vessel include fisheries protection and monitoring, patrol within exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and coastal patrol, anti smuggling, search and rescue operations and for anti piracy operations. The vessels have a secondary role of providing communication link & escort convoys during hostilities and war time.

These high speed Fast Patrol Vessels, though small in size are extremely complex and technologically challenging. The ships are propelled by water jets to attain a speed of 33 knots. The high speed boats are weight sensitive and extensive use of Aluminium in the super structure has been made. Cochin Shipy ard has developed special techniques to ensure high quality welding and fabrication of Aluminium structures.

CSL is also active in the high niche technological area of Offshore Support Vessels for the oil industry incorporating high end technology like clean design, electric propulsion, comfort class notation, etc. Since 2005 CSL has built and delivered 40 ships for owners based at various parts of the world viz Bahamas, Norway, Netherlands, Greece, USA and Saudi Arabia. Apart from this CSL has delivered 4 Anchor Handling Tugs and two high end Platform Supply Vessels to Shipping Corporation of India.

[mappress]
Press Release, October 1, 2013