Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) achieved another milestone in indigenous defence production with the launch of two Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs)- Amulya and Akshay. These vessels, designed and built indigenously by GSL for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), were launched in Goa by Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production).

The vessels are the third and fourth in a series of eight FPVs being constructed by GSL for the ICG, showcasing the shipyard’s significant contribution to advancing India's vision of Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence production.

In his address, Kumar commended the enduring partnership between the ICG and GSL, highlighting the collaborative efforts that have driven the success of these projects. He noted that the launch of these vessels exemplifies the shipyard’s resilience and ingenuity, achieved through strong cooperation with the Indian defence industry. Furthermore, he emphasised that the high indigenous content of the FPVs reflects India’s steadfast commitment to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, reinforcing the country’s drive towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

During the launch ceremony of Amulya and Akshay, Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production), commended the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) team for successfully fulfilling the Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) shipbuilding requirements through indigenous efforts, despite various challenges. He urged all stakeholders to maintain their dedication to achieving greater self-reliance in defence production, aligning with the national vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of GSL, underscored the shipyard’s impressive achievements, including a 100% growth in Gross Revenue, which has now surpassed the Rs 2,000 crore milestone. He attributed this success to GSL’s focus on innovation and efficiency in indigenous shipbuilding.

Senior officials from the ICG, GSL, and key stakeholders from the defence and maritime sectors attended the event, reaffirming the collective commitment to advancing India’s defence capabilities.

The launch of Amulya and Akshay follows the unveiling of the first two FPVs, Adamya and Akshar, in October of last year. These vessels are part of a contract concluded in March 2022, valued at Rs 473 crore. Featuring over 60% indigenous content, these state-of-the-art FPVs have been meticulously designed by GSL to meet the operational requirements of the ICG, marking another step forward in strengthening India’s maritime security infrastructure.

The newly launched Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), Amulya and Akshay, boast a length of 52 meters and a displacement of 320 tonnes, making them a vital addition to the Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) fleet. These vessels will enhance the ICG’s operational capacity in safeguarding offshore assets, island territories, and exclusive economic zones. Their core responsibilities will include fisheries protection, coastal patrols, and conducting anti-smuggling, anti-piracy and search-and-rescue operations.

A significant milestone for Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) was achieved during the launch, as the shipyard utilised its advanced ship-lift system for the first time to conduct simultaneous launches. This marks a key step in GSL’s modernisation efforts, showcasing its commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies.

Notably, this project introduces FPVs built with controllable pitch propellers—a first in India—demonstrating GSL’s technical ingenuity. Furthermore, the construction of these vessels is expected to provide a boost to the local economy, creating employment opportunities and driving growth in the ecosystem of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and other local industries that collaborate with GSL.