Forever News
Mumbai: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), a Navratna Defence PSU, marked a major milestone with the keel laying of the first of six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs), Yard 16401, for the Indian Coast Guard. The ceremony took place on 22nd July 2025 at MDL’s Nhava Yard (NHY).
Keel Laying Ceremony of First Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) for Indian Coast Guard.
The event was presided over by DIG R.H. Nandodkar, TM, Chief Staff Officer (Technical), Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (North West). He was joined by A. Vinod, Executive Director (Shipbuilding), MDL, along with senior officials from the Indian Coast Guard, MDL, and representatives from the classification societies – American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
MDL had earlier signed a contract with the Indian Coast Guard to design, build, and deliver six state-of-the-art NGOPVs, valued at ₹1614.89 crores. Each vessel will be powered by twin 9000 kW engines driving Controllable Pitch Propellers, enabling speeds in excess of 23 knots. They will be classified under dual class standards (ABS & IRS) and constructed as High-Speed Craft under HSC rules.
Designed for coastal and offshore patrolling, these vessels will play a vital role in maritime law enforcement, including fisheries protection, anti-smuggling and anti-piracy operations, search and rescue missions, ocean surveillance, and safeguarding Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs).
The first vessel is slated for delivery in July 2027. The keel laying ceremony signifies the formal commencement of hull construction and an important step forward in strengthening India’s maritime security infrastructure.
