Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Akshar, the second of eight ships in the series of Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), was commissioned at Karaikal on Saturday.
The ship will be based at Karaikal, Puducherry, under the administrative and operational control of Commander Coast Guard Region (East) through the Commander, Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 13.
The vessel will be deployed for surveillance of maritime zones and undertaking other duties to safeguard India’s maritime interests.
The ship is commanded by Commandant (JG) Subhendu Chakraborty and has a complement of five officers and 33 personnel. The commissioning of ICGS Akshar will further enhance the operational capability of the Indian Coast Guard in discharging its multifarious maritime tasks.
The 51 metres FPV has been designed and built indigenously by M/s Goa Shipyard Limited and is a befitting example of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” with over 60% indigenous content.
The ship displaces approximately 320 tonnes and is propelled by two 3,000 kW diesel engines to attain a maximum speed of 27 knots. She has an endurance of 1,500 nautical miles at an economical speed. ICGS Akshar is fitted with two indigenously developed Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPPs) and gearboxes, providing superior manoeuvrability, operational flexibility, and enhanced performance at sea.
Its weaponry includes a 30 mm CRN91 gun and two 12.7 mm stabilised remote-controlled (SRCG) machine guns, all supported by fire control systems. The vessel also features an Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), and Automated Power Management System (APMS), augmenting operational efficiency and automation.
‘Akshar’, which means ‘imperishable’, symbolises ICG’s resolve and commitment to ensuring safe, secure, and clean seas in pursuit of the nation’s maritime interests, the ICG spokesperson said.
The induction ceremony was carried out by Dipti Mohil Chawla, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Defence, in the presence of Additional Director General Donny Michael, PTM, TM, Coast Guard Commander, Eastern Seaboard, and senior dignitaries from the central and state governments.