Indian Coast Guard commissions new pollution control vessel

Samudra Pratap is currently the largest vessel in the Indian Coast Guard with a length of 114.5 metres, a beam of 16.4 metres, and accommodation for 129 officers and enlisted sailors. Two diesel engines drive controllable-pitch propellers to deliver a maximum speed of 22 knots and a range of 6,000 nautical miles.

The vessel's pollution response equipment includes an oil recovery system, a radar that can detect oil slicks, dedicated booms for offshore and nearshore waters, skimmers, collecting arms, and a dispersant spray system.

The armament meanwhile includes a CRN-91 30mm naval gun and two 12.7mm machine guns fitted on remotely controlled stabilised mounts. As the vessel will be used primarily for pollution control, the armament will be used for self-defence purposes.