ICGS Ajit Arrives at Okha; Strengthens Coast Guard’s Surveillance Along Gujarat Coast

Okha: The Indian Coast Guard has bolstered its maritime security capabilities along Gujarat’s coastline with the arrival of ICGS Ajit at Okha on November 3. The newly commissioned Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) will be stationed at the strategic port to enhance surveillance, coastal security and search-and-rescue operations in the Arabian Sea, the Coast Guard said.

ICGS Ajit was commissioned at Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) on October 9 this year. The vessel was handed over to the Coast Guard on August 25, ahead of its formal commissioning.

The ship is the seventh of eight Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels being constructed by Goa Shipyard for the Coast Guard. Equipped with advanced navigation, communication and surveillance systems, it is designed to undertake a range of maritime security and operational missions.

Although smaller than offshore patrol vessels, FPVs offer greater manoeuvrability and faster response capabilities in coastal waters. They play a crucial role in monitoring fishing activities, preventing smuggling, safeguarding offshore installations and conducting search-and-rescue operations.

According to the Coast Guard, ICGS Ajit will undertake maritime boundary surveillance, protect fishermen and offshore assets, and support anti-smuggling operations, marine pollution response and rescue missions.

Okha holds strategic importance as a maritime gateway to critical offshore infrastructure in Gujarat. The deployment of the vessel is expected to improve response times across the north-western maritime region, which requires continuous monitoring of fishing activity and security threats owing to its proximity to Pakistan. DeshGujarat