Keel Laying Ceremony Marks Milestone for Indian Coast Guard's Next-Gen OPVs

Ratnagiri/New Delhi: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) took a decisive step toward bolstering maritime security with the keel laying ceremony for Yard 16402 and 16403, the second and third ships of six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), held at YMPL, Ratnagiri on March 17, 2026.

These advanced vessels boast a range of 5,000 nautical miles and a maximum speed of 23 knots. Measuring 117 meters in length with a crew strength of 11 officers and 110 men, they incorporate state-of-the-art machinery and cutting-edge systems, including AI-based predictive maintenance systems, Remote Piloted Drones, Integrated Bridge System (IBS), and Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).

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Indigenously designed, developed, and constructed by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, the ships align squarely with the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. The contract for constructing all six Next Generation OPVs was inked on December 20, 2023.

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This development underscores a key milestone in the ICG’s drive to sharpen operational capabilities and fortify coastal security. The incoming NGOPV fleet will amplify the ICG's mandate in protecting India’s maritime interests.

The ceremony was presided over by IG Sudhir Sahni, TM, DDG (M&M), in the presence of senior officials from the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and MDL.

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