Chennai: K Shanmugam, Chief Secretary to government of Tamilnadu commissioned Indian Coast Guard Ship C-449 at Chennai for the service of the nation on Thursday.
The ship is the 49th amongst the 54 in their series being indigenously designed and built by Larsen and Toubro Ltd, Hazira (Surat).
The commissioning ceremony was witnessed by restricted dignitaries following all the Covid-19 protocols. ‘The induction of this ship is a part of ongoing efforts by the Coast Guard to strengthen maritime and coastal Security along the Coast of Tamilnadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh. The ship will not only strengthen the security umbrella of the East Coast but also help augment patrolling in order to prevent illicit activities at sea,’ said an official release.
This ship is 27.80 m long, with a displacement of 105 tons and Max Speed of 45 knots (85 kmph). It is capable of undertaking multifarious tasks including Surveillance, Interdiction, Search and Rescue, in addition to rendering assistance to boats and craft in distress at sea.
The vessel is provided with advanced navigation and communication equipment for safe navigation. The quick reaction ability coupled with modern equipment and systems provides her the capability to respond to any maritime situation at very short notice.
The ship is commanded by Assistant Commandant Ashish Sharma and will be based at Krishnapatnam under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 6, Visakhapatnam.