Coast Guard Deploys New Vessel to Combat Oil Spills

Speedy Summary

• Event: Samudra Prachet, India’s second indigenously built Pollution Control Vessel (PCV), was launched on July 23, 2025, in Vasco, Goa.
• Builder: Constructed by Goa Shipyard ltd. (GSL) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
• Indigenous Components: Utilizes 72% locally sourced materials and engages MSMEs to boost jobs and skills in domestic industries.
• Features: Equipped with advanced response systems including side-sweeping arms for oil spill collection, modern radar for detecting oil slicks, onboard tanks to store recovered oil, and systems capable of processing contaminated water.
• Significance:

– Enhances ICG’s ability to respond to environmental emergencies like oil spills in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone.- Represents further progress toward indigenous shipbuilding capabilities through GSL’s efforts.

• Attendance & Remarks:

– Chief figures including Director General of ICG Paramesh Sivamani emphasized the importance of PCVs in maritime protection.
– GSL Chairman Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay highlighted its role in advancing India’s preparedness against maritime pollution.
– Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence were present at the launch ceremony.

indian Opinion Analysis

The launch of Samudra Prachet highlights India’s commitment to strengthening its maritime infrastructure using indigenous resources for both environmental protection and strategic autonomy. By relying heavily on local components (72%) and involving msmes within the supply chain, this project advances national industrial capability while fostering regional employment opportunities.

As global environmental concerns rise-especially related to marine ecosystems-the vessel provides essential capability enhancements for combating oil spills along India’s extensive coastline within its Exclusive Economic Zone. The advanced technology onboard exemplifies a forward-looking approach that aligns with sustainable maritime practices.

Additionally, this milestone reinforces India’s self-reliance goals under initiatives like “Make in India.” That the first PCV was completed last year showcases consistent progress on this front-a trend likely significant as other coastal states or nations may look toward similar models.

Future deployments are expected not only to secure India’s marine territories but also serve as a demonstration of indigenous engineering capacity when addressing ecological challenges at a larger scale.

For more details visit The Hindu