Commissioning of Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Pratap
On January 5, 2026, Defence Minister commissioned the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samudra Pratap at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) in South Goa. The ship is the first of two indigenously designed pollution control vessels (PCVs) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
Significance of ICGS Samudra Pratap
- Built with over 60% indigenous content, highlighting India's evolving defence industrial ecosystem.
- Largest ship in the Coast Guard's fleet, enhancing the ICG's capacity in:
- Pollution response
- Fire-fighting
- Maritime safety
- Environmental protection
- Extended surveillance
- Capable of integrating multiple roles for:
- Pollution control
- Coastal patrol
- Maritime security
Technological Capabilities
- Advanced pollution detection systems.
- Specialised pollution response boats.
- Modern firefighting equipment.
- Aviation facilities, including a helicopter hangar for operational reach in rough sea conditions.
Environmental and Strategic Impact
- Rapid detection and containment of pollution incidents.
- Protection of coral reefs, mangroves, fisheries, and marine biodiversity.
- Support for coastal communities and the blue economy.
Gender Inclusivity
For the first time, the ship will have two women officers onboard, representing a move towards a more inclusive and gender-neutral Coast Guard.
Commitment to Modernisation
Defence Minister emphasized the need for an intelligence-driven and integration-centric ICG to deal with technology-led threats, expressing confidence in the ship's role in bolstering maritime governance and environmental protection.
India's Maritime Responsibility
The Defence Minister praised ICG's efforts in oil spill response, search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, and coastal cleanliness, underscoring India's commitment to peace, stability, and environmental responsibility in the Indo-Pacific region.
