He also highlighted the increasing role of women officers in important operational responsibilities across the Coast Guard.
Rajnath Singh Unveils Samudra Pratap, India’s 1st Pollution Control Vessel
On Monday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) first indigenously designed and built Pollution Control Vessel (PCV), ICGS Samudra Pratap, at the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) facility in Goa. This marks a major stride in India’s maritime capability and environmental preparedness. Samudra Pratap, meaning “Majesty of the Seas”, was delivered to the Coast Guard in December 2025 and reflects the nation’s focus on maritime safety, environmental protection and self-reliance in defence shipbuilding under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The 114.5-metre vessel, with over 60 per cent indigenous content, displaces about 4,200 tonnes, can achieve speeds exceeding 22 knots and has an endurance of 6,000 nautical miles, sources said. It is equipped with advanced pollution response and firefighting systems, including high-capacity external firefighting gear, and will significantly boost the Coast Guard’s capacity to respond to oil spills, enforce marine pollution control regulations, conduct search and rescue missions, and safeguard India’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
According to ministry statements, Rajnath Singh, while addressing the commissioning in Vasco, South Goa, highlighted India’s broader maritime vision and stressed that marine resources, being shared heritage, demand responsible stewardship. He also highlighted the increasing role of women officers in important operational responsibilities across the Coast Guard.
Senior dignitaries present included Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Union Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and ICG Director General Paramesh Sivamani. The induction of Samudra Pratap represents a significant enhancement of India’s maritime environmental security architecture and a further step in strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, ministry sources said.
Source: The Tribune
