In a significant step towards strengthening India’s maritime environmental response capabilities, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) launched ‘Samudra Prachet’ on 23 July 2025 at Vasco, Goa. Built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL), this is the second and final Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) under the current program, marking a crucial milestone in India’s drive for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and self-reliance in maritime security and defence production.
‘Samudra Prachet’ reflects 72% indigenous content, underscoring India’s commitment to domestic manufacturing and technological self-sufficiency. The project has significantly boosted the local shipbuilding ecosystem, generating employment and promoting the involvement of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The ship exemplifies India’s growing capacity to meet critical defence needs through indigenous solutions, thereby reducing dependency on foreign suppliers in sensitive maritime sectors.
The vessel spans 114.5 metres in length and 16.5 metres in breadth, with a displacement of 4,170 tonnes. It can accommodate 14 officers and 115 sailors, making it well-suited for long-range deployment and sustained operations. Equipped with two side-sweeping arms, the ship can collect oil spills while in motion, and its advanced radar system enables the detection of oil slicks within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Designed for comprehensive oil spill recovery, ‘Samudra Prachet’ can handle spills across the entire viscosity spectrum. It is equipped to pump, analyse, and separate contaminated water, with dedicated tanks for storing recovered oil. These features allow for rapid and effective response to maritime environmental emergencies, helping mitigate ecological damage and protect marine biodiversity.
The launch ceremony was graced by senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, Indian Coast Guard, and GSL. ICG Director General Paramesh Sivamani highlighted the strategic importance of PCVs in securing India’s maritime interests and praised the successful indigenous development of the vessel. He reiterated the importance of these platforms in enhancing India’s strategic autonomy and environmental safety at sea.
GSL Chairman Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay emphasized the vessel’s role in supporting India’s sustainable maritime development goals. As climate risks and shipping traffic increase, ‘Samudra Prachet’ stands as a critical asset in protecting coastal ecosystems, reinforcing India’s commitment to environmental stewardship and blue economy principles.
