India delivers second fast patrol vessel to Mauritius

The Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) yesterday delivered the second fast patrol vessel 'MCGS Valiant' to the Mauritius Coast Guard at a ceremony held in Vasco near here, a GSL official said today.
The 50-metre-long vessel is primarily designed for coastal patrolling, anti-drug surveillance, and for anti-piracy operations, the official said, adding that 'MCGS Valiant' will also be useful in anti-smuggling and search and rescue operations.
The vessel was handed over by the GSL Chairman and Managing Director (Rear Admiral) Shekhar Mital to K Jhugroo, Deputy Commissioner of Police, the Mauritius Police Force, he said.
In a statement issued here, the GSL said the contract to build the vessel was signed on May 17, 2014 and the keel of this vessel was laid on May 22, 2015.

While addressing a gathering of officials in Vasco during the ceremony, Mittal said, "We have successfully delivered this ship four months ahead of the contractual schedule of August 2017, within 23 months of keel laying which is a record in itself, which is in lines with the track record of GSL in the recent times of timely deliveries. This shows the dedication and commitment of all the stake-holders involved".
In his address, Jhugroo lauded the excellent work done by the GSL, the statement said.
Jhugroo complimented the GSL work force on their working skills and positive attitude, it said.
"GSL is the largest exporter of ships from Indian subcontinent and is presently executing export orders worth Rs 1200 crore. The shipyard prides itself in timely delivery of ships at fixed cost and enjoys very strong execution skills," as per the statement.