Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) launched the third Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) named ‘ABHINAV’ being built for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The vessel is the third in a series of 20 numbers Fast Patrol Vessels contracted by Cochin Shipyard Limited for the Indian Coast Guard. The contract was signed in 2010 with delivery of the last vessel slated for 2017.
The vessels are being built under the dual classification requirements. The 50 metre x 7.6 metre x 4.65 metre vessels have a designed speed of 33 knots. The primary role of the vessel include fisheries protection and monitoring, patrol within Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and coastal patrol , anti smuggling, search and rescue operations and for anti piracy operations.
The vessels have a secondary role of providing communication link and escort convoys during hostilities and war time.
These high speed Fast Patrol Vessels, though small in size are extremely complex and technologically challenging. The ships are propelled by water jets to attain a speed of 33 knots. The high speed boats are weight sensitive and extensive use of Aluminium in the super structure has been made. Cochin Shipyard has developed special techniques to ensure high quality welding and fabrication of Aluminium structures.
Cochin Shipyard presently has 25 ships on order consisting of 20 Fast Patrol Vessels, 3 Offshore Support ships for Indian and foreign owners, 1 Buoy Tender vessel for the Department of Lighthouses and Lightships and the Prestigious Aircraft Carrier for the Indian Navy.
Cochin Shipyard Limited has entered into the high niche technological area of Offshore Support Vessels for the oil industry incorporating high end technology like clean design, electric propulsion, comfort class notation, etc.
Since 2005 Cochin Shipyard Limited has built and delivered 40 ships for owners based at various parts of the world viz Bahamas, Norway, Netherlands, Greece, USA and Saudi Arabia. Apart from this Cochin Shipyard Limited has delivered four Anchor Handling Tugs and two Platform Support Vessels to Shipping Corporation of India. In the year 2012-13 Cochin Shipyard Limited delivered six Offshore Support Ships, for various international and domestic owners.
Recently, Cochin Shipyard Limited entered into a contract with Cochin Port Trust for setting up of an international Ship Repair facility at the Cochin Port Trust premises. This new facility is expected to help shipyard to increase its market share in the repair of small and medium ships. The first ship for repair in the Cochin Port Trust repair facility was docked on 25 May 2013. The yard has also identified other expansion plans for growth.
