Visakhapatnam / New Delhi : In a significant boost to India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem, Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) has emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) for a major Indian Coast Guard contract to build 18 Next Generation Fast Patrol Vessels (NGFPVs). The project, valued at approximately ₹3,000 crore (around $330 million), is expected to substantially enhance coastal and offshore security while reinforcing the revival of the state-run shipyard under the government’s self-reliance drive.
The development marks another high-profile win for the Visakhapatnam-based public sector undertaking and reflects the growing confidence of India’s maritime forces in domestic shipbuilding capability.
Competitive Tender and Contract Outlook
HSL secured the L1 position after a fiercely contested tender process that saw participation from six leading Indian shipyards. Following an extensive technical evaluation and a detailed comparison of commercial bids, HSL’s offer was assessed as the most competitive, paving the way for the award of the formal contract after completion of remaining procedural steps.
Industry sources indicate that contract signing is expected in the coming months, after which the project will move quickly into the design finalisation and steel-cutting stages. The programme is expected to generate sustained employment and business opportunities for a wide network of MSME vendors supplying equipment, systems and services.
Accelerated Delivery Timeline
The contract stipulates a fast-paced construction and induction schedule to meet the Indian Coast Guard’s urgent operational requirements. The first vessel is to be delivered within 30 months of contract signing, with subsequent ships scheduled to enter service at intervals of roughly four months. This compressed timeline is intended to ensure that all 18 vessels are inducted in quick succession, rapidly expanding the Coast Guard’s patrol and response capability.
Next Generation Patrol Capability
The NGFPVs represent a major technological upgrade over existing fast patrol craft. Designed indigenously and optimised for tropical maritime conditions, the vessels are conceived as medium-range, weapon-fitted surface platforms capable of sustained operations across India’s vast maritime zones, including island territories.
A defining feature of the new class is its helicopter staging-through capability. The vessels will be able to support day-and-night operations of the Coast Guard’s ALH Mk III helicopters, including refuelling and staging at sea. This capability significantly extends the operational reach of the ships, particularly for long-range search and rescue, maritime surveillance and medical evacuation missions.
The vessels are also designed for shallow-water operations, allowing them to operate closer to the coastline than larger offshore patrol vessels. This makes them particularly effective for fisheries protection, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy duties and the interception of suspicious vessels within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Strategic Importance for the Indian Coast Guard
For the Indian Coast Guard, the induction of 18 NGFPVs is a critical step in addressing evolving maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Rising commercial traffic, the protection of offshore energy infrastructure and non-traditional security threats have placed growing demands on the force.
The new patrol vessels are expected to bridge the capability gap between small, high-speed interceptor boats and larger Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), offering a balance of speed, endurance and firepower. Their ability to support helicopter operations effectively enhances the Coast Guard’s surveillance envelope and response time across wide maritime areas.
HSL’s Revival and Expanding Order Book
The NGFPV project further underscores HSL’s transformation into a key player in India’s defence shipbuilding landscape. In August 2023, the shipyard secured a ₹19,000-crore contract to construct five Fleet Support Ships for the Indian Navy, one of the largest indigenous naval shipbuilding projects awarded to a public sector yard.
In parallel, HSL is executing two specialised Diving Support Vessels — Nistar and Nipun — for the Navy, adding to a growing portfolio of complex, high-value platforms. The shipyard reported its highest-ever turnover of ₹1,413 crore in the last financial year, reflecting improved execution capability, stronger order inflows and enhanced financial health.
Once the contract is formally signed, HSL’s NGFPV project is set to play a dual role: strengthening India’s coastal security posture and serving as another milestone in the country’s drive towards self-reliance in defence shipbuilding.
