Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh commissioned Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Pratap, India’s first indigenously designed Pollution Control Vessel (PCV), marking a major milestone in the country’s drive towards Aatmanirbharta in shipbuilding and maritime capability development. Built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), the vessel is the largest ship in the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) fleet to date and incorporates over 60% indigenous content.
Describing the ship as an embodiment of India’s “mature defence industrial ecosystem,” the Raksha Mantri highlighted the government’s push to raise indigenous content in naval platforms to 90%. He noted that while ICGS Samudra Pratap has been purpose-built for pollution control, its multi-role design significantly enhances coastal patrol, maritime safety, firefighting, and extended surveillance across India’s vast maritime zones.
Boost to Environmental Response & Maritime Safety
Equipped with advanced pollution detection systems, dedicated pollution response boats, high-capacity skimmers, side-sweeping arms, floating booms, and an onboard pollution control laboratory, Samudra Pratap will substantially strengthen India’s ability to respond swiftly to oil spills and marine pollution incidents. Its External Fire-Fighting System (Fi-Fi Class 1), helicopter hangar, and aviation support facilities further extend its operational reach—even in rough sea states.
Calling marine environment protection a moral responsibility amid climate change and global warming, Shri Rajnath Singh said the ship’s rapid detection, precise station-keeping, and efficient recovery systems would help protect coral reefs, mangroves, fisheries, and marine biodiversity—directly supporting coastal livelihoods and the blue economy.
Strategic Message & Responsible Maritime Power
Commending the ICG’s multi-dimensional role—from pollution control and coastal cleanliness to search and rescue and maritime law enforcement—the Raksha Mantri said India has sent a clear message that any maritime misadventure will be met with a bold and befitting response. He reiterated that India is a “Responsible Maritime Power,” committed to peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific.
He also urged the ICG to transition from a platform-centric to an intelligence-driven and integration-centric force, while developing specialised career streams in maritime law enforcement, environmental protection, and maritime cyber security.
A First for Gender Inclusion
In a historic first, ICGS Samudra Pratap will have two women officers as part of its complement. Praising the ICG’s move towards an inclusive and gender-neutral work environment, Shri Rajnath Singh said women officers are increasingly serving as frontline warriors—setting role-model examples for future generations.
About ICGS Samudra Pratap
Named “Majesty of the Seas,” Samudra Pratap displaces 4,170 tonnes, measures 114.5 metres in length, and can achieve speeds exceeding 22 knots. Powered by twin 7,500 kW diesel engines with indigenously developed controllable pitch propellers, it offers an endurance of 6,000 nautical miles. The ship features advanced automation systems, including Dynamic Positioning, Integrated Bridge and Platform Management Systems, and Automated Power Management, alongside armament comprising a 30 mm CRN-91 gun and two 12.7 mm stabilised remote-controlled guns.
Based at Kochi under the operational control of the Coast Guard Region (West), ICGS Samudra Pratap significantly strengthens India’s environmental response, maritime safety, and coastal security—underscoring the nation’s growing self-reliance and leadership at sea.
