Strengthening India’s maritime security and surveillance capabilities, the Indian Coast Guard commissioned ICGS Akshar, the second vessel in a series of eight Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), at Karaikal on Saturday.
The 51-metre-long vessel has been indigenously designed and built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), in line with the Government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives. With over 60% indigenous content, ICGS Akshar reflects India’s growing self-reliance in defence shipbuilding.
Commissioned by Smt. Dipti Mohil Chawla, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Defence, the ceremony was attended by Additional Director General Donny Michael, Commander, Coast Guard Eastern Seaboard, along with senior officials from the central and state governments.
Advanced Capabilities
Displacing approximately 320 tons, ICGS Akshar is powered by two 3,000 KW diesel engines, delivering a top speed of 27 knots and an endurance of 1,500 nautical miles. The ship features two indigenously developed Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPPs) and gearboxes, enhancing maneuverability and operational flexibility.
The vessel is armed with a 30 mm CRN 91 gun and two 12.7 mm Stabilized Remote-Controlled Guns (SRCG) integrated with advanced fire-control systems. It also incorporates an Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), and Automated Power Management System (APMS) — ensuring high efficiency and automation during operations.
Strategic Role
Based at Karaikal, Puducherry, under the Commander Coast Guard Region (East), ICGS Akshar will be tasked with coastal surveillance, anti-smuggling, anti-poaching, and search-and-rescue missions in India’s maritime zones.
The name ‘Akshar’, meaning imperishable, symbolises the Coast Guard’s unwavering dedication to maintaining safe, secure, and clean seas.
With the commissioning of ICGS Akshar, the Indian Coast Guard continues to expand its fleet of modern, indigenously built vessels, reinforcing India’s maritime strength and readiness in the Indo-Pacific region.
