Staff Reporter

Vasco

The first of two Pollution Control Vessels being built by Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) for the Coast Guard was launched in a ceremony led by Neeta Seth and attended by Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth.

GSL is designing and constructing these vessels in India for the first time. This initiative reflects the enduring partnership between the Indian Coast Guard and GSL, advancing their shared goal of self-reliance and realising the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

The launching ceremony was attended by South Goa Lok Sabha MP Viriato Fernandes, Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Tanavade, Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar, Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar and Mormugao Municipal Council chairperson Girish Borkar, GSL CMD B K Upadhyay.

Indian Coast Guard was represented by IG Bhisham Sharma, PTM, TM, COMCG (West) and IG HK Sharma, TM, DDG (M&M). Flag Officer Goa Naval Area RAdm Ajay Theophilus was also present. GSL directors viz. Capt Jagmohan, Sunil Bagi and Deepak Patwardhan alongwith senior Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and GSL officials were also present.

GSL CMD Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay said that the pollution control vessel project symbolises the nation’s dedication to safeguarding the marine environment. He said that the launch marks a significant milestone for both the Indian Coast Guard and GSL. Upadhyay also highlighted the strong relationship between GSL and the Indian Coast Guard, citing that 18 of the 25 Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) in the Coast Guard’s fleet were designed and built by GSL.