Indian Coast Guard Inducts Indigenous Fast Patrol Vessel Akshay

India's maritime security capabilities received a significant boost on Saturday with the commissioning of ICGS Akshay , a new-generation indigenous Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) . Built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) under the Centre's Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, the vessel was formally inducted into service at Vasco, Goa, in the presence of senior Coast Guard officials and government dignitaries.

Named "Akshay," meaning "Indestructible," the vessel symbolizes the Coast Guard's commitment to protecting the country's maritime interests and ensuring safe, secure and clean seas. The commissioning is part of the Coast Guard's ongoing fleet modernization programme , aimed at strengthening coastal security, maritime surveillance and environmental protection across India's vast maritime domain.

ICGS Akshay is the fourth vessel of the Adamya-class series and one of eight Fast Patrol Vessels being constructed by GSL under a ₹473-crore project . With more than 65 per cent indigenous content , the vessel highlights India's growing self-reliance in defence manufacturing and showcases the capabilities of the domestic shipbuilding industry.

The patrol vessel is approximately 52 metres long with a displacement of around 320 tonnes and is powered by twin 3,000-kW diesel engines . It is equipped with advanced Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) technology , offering enhanced manoeuvrability, operational efficiency and rapid-response capability during maritime operations. The vessel is also armed with a 30-mm CRN-91 naval gun and 12.7-mm remote-controlled machine guns , enabling it to effectively counter a range of maritime threats.

According to the Coast Guard, ICGS Akshay will undertake a wide spectrum of missions, including coastal and offshore surveillance, maritime law enforcement, anti-smuggling operations, fisheries protection, search and rescue (SAR) missions, marine environmental protection and assistance to mariners in distress. The vessel will be commanded by Commandant (Junior Grade) Deepak Choubey .

The induction comes at a time when maritime security remains a strategic priority for India. With a coastline stretching over 7,500 kilometres and an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of nearly 2.37 million square kilometres , the country requires constant vigilance against threats such as smuggling, illegal fishing, piracy and maritime infiltration.

The significance of strengthening coastal security has grown considerably since the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks , which exposed vulnerabilities along India's coastline. Since then, the Coast Guard has emerged as the lead agency for coastal security coordination, supported by radar networks, surveillance systems and an expanding fleet of vessels and aircraft.

Senior officials present at the commissioning ceremony included Parama Sen , Additional Secretary (Personnel), Department of Expenditure, Inspector General Bhisham Sharma , Commander, Coast Guard Region (West), and Inspector General Jyotindra Singh , Deputy Director General (HRD).

With nearly 95 per cent of India's trade by volume moving through sea routes, the addition of ICGS Akshay is expected to enhance maritime domain awareness, strengthen coastal defence and reinforce India's commitment to building a modern, self-reliant and secure maritime force.