GRSE launches Mauritius offshore patrol vessel

An Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) for the Mauritius Coast Guard was today launched from the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd here, the first defence export order for a warship being built in India.
The 74.10 mtr long and 1.40 mtr wide OPV will be capable of a maximum speed of 20 knots and have an approximate displacement of 1,300 tonnes.
Christened CGS Barracuda, the vessel was launched by Senior Chief Executive, PMO, Government of Mauritius, K O Fong Weng-Pooran, in the presence of Mauritian High Commissioner Arye Kumar Juggessar.
This fuel-efficient and cost-effective ship has been fitted with state-of-the-art main engines, controls and integrated bridge system catering to all needs of communication and navigation.

Contracted to be delivered within 42 months, GRSE expected to deliver the ship by September 2014, Chairman & Managing Director, GRSE, Rear Admiral (Retd) A K Verma said.
The contract was signed on March 4, 2011, marking a significant milestone in Indo-Mauritian co-operation and friendship.

The keel of the vessel was laid on April 23 last year.
The OPV will be capable of undertaking multifarious roles such as anti-piracy, search and rescue, anti-smuggling, anti-drug surveillance and anti-poaching operations ensuring safety and security of the maritime zone and EEZ of Mauritius, defence sources said.
Others present included Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Pradeep K Chatterjee and dignitaries from Ministries of Defence, External Affairs and West Bengal government.