Coast Guard to get ACV for patrolling Sunderbans

The ACV (H-188), alternately known as hovercraft, is the second in the series of 12 ACVs designed and built by Griffon Hoverwork Limited (GHL), UK, for ICG.

It will be based at Haldia under administrative and operational control of the Commander Coast Guard District-8 (West Bengal) and will enhance the operational capability of the newly established Coast Guard Region (North East).

This induction is part of the ongoing expansion plan of ICG to strengthen and modernise its fleet. It had earlier commissioned its first GHL built ACV H-187 at Okha, Gujarat, on June 12, this year.

The 21-metre ACV is equipped with modern, state-of-the-art sensors and equipment that is powered by two 1000 BHP IVECO engines. It can attain a speed of 50 knots using aero dynamic propulsion. At economical speeds the craft has endurance of 480 nautical miles.

The sources said the craft is specially designed for day and night operations in shallow waters and can undertake maritime search and rescue including maritime surveillance with armed configuration.