Indian Coast Guard Strengthens Fleet with ₹473-Crore Fast Patrol Vessel ‘Achal’

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has taken another important step in modernizing its maritime fleet with the launch of its new advanced Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), named ICGS Achal. The vessel was launched on June 16, 2025, at Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL), marking a significant boost to India’s coastal security operations.

This vessel is the fifth in a series of eight FPVs currently being built for the Coast Guard. It reflects the Indian government's ongoing efforts to enhance maritime security and strengthen India’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region.

ICGS Achal has been constructed at a cost of ₹473 crore. It measures 52 metres in length, 8 metres in width, and has a displacement of 320 tonnes. The ship is powered by a controllable pitch propeller (CPP)-based propulsion system, enabling it to reach speeds of up to 27 knots (about 50 km/h). This makes it ideal for quick-response operations like search and rescue, anti-smuggling, anti-poaching, and coastal patrol duties.

The launch ceremony was attended by Kavita Harbola, wife of Additional Director General Anil Kumar Harbola, who is the Coast Guard Commander for the Western Seaboard. The event further strengthened the long-standing partnership between the Indian Coast Guard and Goa Shipyard Ltd.

Built under strict safety and quality standards, ICGS Achal has been designed and constructed according to dual-class certification requirements of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). Notably, over 60% of the vessel’s components and systems are indigenous, showcasing India’s growing capability in defence production under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative.

The vessel will play a crucial role in protection, monitoring, control, and surveillance in India’s maritime zones, especially around offshore assets and island territories. This is vital given the increasing security challenges in the region, including threats from smuggling, illegal fishing, and potential maritime intrusions.

Apart from strengthening the Coast Guard fleet, the project has also generated significant employment opportunities and benefitted numerous micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across India. These businesses have contributed to the manufacturing of components, systems integration, and ship fabrication, thereby boosting India’s defence production ecosystem.

Earlier this month, as part of its expansion and infrastructure improvement, the Indian Coast Guard also inaugurated a new dedicated jetty at Vizhinjam Harbour, Kerala, to support faster deployment of patrol vessels for various operations.

The addition of ICGS Achal to the Indian Coast Guard fleet marks a significant stride in India’s maritime security strategy. It enhances operational readiness, improves coastal surveillance capabilities, and reinforces the nation’s commitment to building a strong, self-reliant defence sector.