Mumbai/New Delhi: State-owned shipbuilding major Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has achieved another significant milestone in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing programme with the keel laying of the fourth Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) being built for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
The keel-laying ceremony was held on June 25 at MDL’s Nhava Yard in Mumbai in the presence of senior officials from the Indian Coast Guard, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, and representatives of classification societies.
The vessel is one of six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels being constructed by MDL under a contract signed with the Indian Coast Guard on December 20, 2023. The project forms an important part of the Government of India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, with the vessels being indigenously designed, developed, and built within the country.
The laying of the keel marks a key stage in ship construction and reflects the steady progress of the NGOPV programme. Once commissioned, the vessels are expected to significantly enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s operational capabilities in maritime surveillance, coastal security, search and rescue operations, law enforcement, and protection of India’s maritime interests.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Inspector General Vivek Sharma, Principal Director (Technical Services), Indian Coast Guard, and Rajeev Ranjan, Executive Director (Production), MDL. Senior officials from the Indian Coast Guard, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, and classification agencies were also present on the occasion.
The NGOPV programme underscores India’s growing expertise in advanced shipbuilding and reflects the country’s continued commitment to strengthening maritime security through indigenous defence production. The successful progress of the project is expected to further boost self-reliance in the defence sector while enhancing the operational readiness of the Indian Coast Guard.
With the keel of the fourth vessel now laid, the programme continues to move forward steadily, reinforcing India’s efforts to modernize its maritime forces and expand domestic shipbuilding capabilities.
