Context:
The Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Pratap, India’s first indigenously designed Pollution Control Vessel (PCV), was commissioned in Goa by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on January 5, 2026. The commissioning marks a significant milestone in strengthening India’s maritime environmental protection framework and advancing self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The vessel aligns with the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat while enhancing India’s capacity to respond to marine environmental emergencies.
Design & Capabilities:
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- Built by Goa Shipyard Limited, Samudra Pratap incorporates over 60% indigenous content, reflecting India’s growing shipbuilding capabilities. The vessel measures 114.5 metres in length with a displacement of 4,200 tonnes. It can achieve speeds exceeding 22 knots and has an operational endurance of 6,000 nautical miles.
- Key onboard technologies include a dynamic positioning system, advanced pollution detection and response equipment, oil recovery machinery, and a high-capacity firefighting system. The ship is also equipped with an integrated bridge system and an automated power management system, ensuring operational efficiency during complex and prolonged maritime missions.
- Built by Goa Shipyard Limited, Samudra Pratap incorporates over 60% indigenous content, reflecting India’s growing shipbuilding capabilities. The vessel measures 114.5 metres in length with a displacement of 4,200 tonnes. It can achieve speeds exceeding 22 knots and has an operational endurance of 6,000 nautical miles.
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Roles and Functions:
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- The primary role of Samudra Pratap is to combat oil spills and marine pollution within India’s territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Its specialised equipment enables effective containment, recovery, and analysis of pollutants, thereby minimising ecological damage.
- In addition to pollution control, the vessel undertakes search and rescue operations, maritime law enforcement, and firefighting at sea. Its integrated surveillance systems further enhance the monitoring of maritime traffic and support the enforcement of maritime safety and environmental regulations.
- The primary role of Samudra Pratap is to combat oil spills and marine pollution within India’s territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Its specialised equipment enables effective containment, recovery, and analysis of pollutants, thereby minimising ecological damage.
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Strategic Importance:
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- Environmental Protection: India’s extensive coastline and high volume of maritime traffic increase vulnerability to ecological disasters. Dedicated pollution control vessels enable rapid response, safeguarding marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods.
- Maritime Domain Awareness: The vessel strengthens India’s capability to monitor, regulate, and secure maritime activities across its maritime zones.
- ‘Make in India’ Boost: Indigenous design and construction underscore India’s expanding expertise in advanced shipbuilding and maritime technologies, promoting domestic industry and skill development.
- Regional Leadership: Deployment of specialised environmental protection assets highlights India’s commitment to responsible maritime governance, environmental stewardship, and regional maritime security.
- Environmental Protection: India’s extensive coastline and high volume of maritime traffic increase vulnerability to ecological disasters. Dedicated pollution control vessels enable rapid response, safeguarding marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods.
Conclusion:
Samudra Pratap is more than a mere addition to the Indian Coast Guard fleet; it symbolises India’s growing proficiency in maritime engineering and environmental security. By integrating advanced technology with strategic foresight, the vessel significantly enhances India’s capacity to address marine pollution, protect coastal ecosystems, and fulfil its responsibilities as a leading maritime nation.
