Keel Laying Ceremony Marks Milestone in Indigenous Shipbuilding

Goa: A significant moment in India’s naval capabilities unfolded as the keel laying ceremony of the first Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) took place at M/s Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) in Goa on May 3, 2024. The ceremony, a testament to India’s prowess in indigenous shipbuilding, was presided over by VAdm B Siva Kumar, Controller Warship Production & Acquisition, Indian Navy, in the presence of Shri B K Upadhyay, Chairman & Managing Director of GSL, along with other senior officials from the Indian Navy and GSL.

The contracts for the indigenous design and construction of 11 NGOPVs were finalized on March 30, 2023, between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and M/s Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) in Goa and M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. Under this agreement, seven ships will be constructed by the lead shipyard, GSL, while four ships will be built by the follow shipyard, GRSE.

The NGOPVs are poised to play a pivotal role in various maritime missions, including Anti-Piracy operations, Coastal Defence & Surveillance, Search & Rescue, and Protection of Offshore Assets. Designed to bolster the Indian Navy’s combat capabilities, these vessels will safeguard the nation’s economic and geopolitical interests in the Indian Ocean Region.