The Indian Coast Guard has ordered six Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels from Goa Shipyards Ltd. The contract for the six vessels was signed on 9 May and just six days later the steel cutting ceremony for the first vessel was being celebrated! The steel hulled vessels have a displacement of around 2,300 t, and LOA of 345 ft (105 m). Twin SEMT Pielstick 20PA6B STC diesel engines rated at 7,792 kW at 1,050 rpm and power a CP propeller. Maximum speed is 24 kn and a cruising speed of 12 kn provides a range of 6,600 nm. The ships has a primary duty of patrolling and policing coastal and offshore maritime zones. The vessels can also carry out search and rescue as well as surveillance operations and assist in pollution control and fire fighting duties. [More]