‘Achal’, the fifth Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) in a series of eight being built by Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) for the Indian Coast Guard, was ceremoniously launched today in Goa. The vessel was launched by Smt. Kavita Harbola in the presence of Additional Director General Anil Kumar Harbola, Coast Guard Commander (Western Seaboard).
Designed and built under dual-class certification from the American Bureau of Shipping and Indian Register of Shipping, FPV ‘Achal’ reflects India’s growing emphasis on indigenous defence production. Over 60% of the ship’s components are sourced domestically, aligning with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Measuring 52 meters in length and 8 meters in breadth, the vessel displaces 320 tons and is powered by a controllable pitch propeller (CPP) based propulsion system, enabling a top speed of 27 knots.
With core operational roles including protection, monitoring, control, and surveillance, ‘Achal’ is equipped to guard offshore assets and island territories. It will significantly enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s operational readiness along India’s western seaboard.
The Rs 473-crore project has also provided a boost to the domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem, creating jobs and supporting numerous MSMEs involved in the supply chain.
The launch ceremony was attended by GSL Chairman and Managing Director Shri Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, senior officials from the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and representatives from the shipbuilding industry.
