GSL delivers first fast patrol vessel to Mauritius

The Dollar Business Bureau

Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Indian subcontinent’s largest exporter of ships, on Monday delivered MCGS VICTORY, the first Fast Patrol Vessel which is designed and manufactured in-house, to Mauritius Coast Guard.

“Indo-Mauritian Defence Co-operation got another fillip with the delivery of first Fast Patrol Vessel, MCGS VICTORY, designed and built in-house by Goa Shipyard Limited for Mauritius Coast Guard, on 26th September 2016 at GSL,” said a Shipping Ministry release.

The vessel was handed over by CMD of Goa Shipyard Ltd, RAdm. (Retd) Shekhar Mital, NM to Mauritius Police Force’s Deputy Commissioner of Police K. Jhugroo, in the presence of various senior officials from both the countries.

Speaking on the occasion, Mital said that the vessel’s contract was inked on May 17, 2014 and the keel was laid on December 18, 2014. In spite of all the challenges faced, including the delay of more than six months in steel supply and being the maiden ship of its series, we have delivered the ship successfully as per the schedule of the contract of September, 2016 that is within a period of 20 months after laying of keel, which is an achievement in itself.”

In his address, Jhugroo appreciated the excellent work done by the GSL and complemented the ship maker for delivering a state-of- the-art vessel for Mauritius.

The vessel is mainly designed and built for Coastal Patrolling, Anti-smuggling, Anti-piracy, Anti-poaching, Anti-drug Surveillance and Search and Rescue Operations. It is 50 meter in length and is fitted with 12.7 mm HMGs, 30 mm CRN-91 Gun and 7.62 mm MMGs. In addition, the vessel is fitted with advanced Navigation and Communication equipment. The ship is capable to achieve a maximum speed of 35 knots.

Significantly, the trials of the vessel were undertaken in the months of peak monsoon and it achieved all the parameters of design.