Cochin Shipyard Limited today delivered ‘Abhiraj’, the fourth of the series of 20 Fast Patrol Vessels being built for the Indian Coast Guard.

The vessel will be operated by the Coast Guard station at Tuticorin.

It can move at a speed of 33 knots and will be very effective in supporting the Coast Guard in its anti smuggling, anti piracy operations, fisheries protection and monitoring, a CSL press release said.

Cochin Shipyard had signed the contract for construction of the 20 Fast Patrol Vessels for the Indian Coast Guard on October 20, 2010. The yard had earlier delivered three vessels — ‘Abheek’, ‘Aadesh’ and ‘Abhinav’.

The first protocol of delivery was signed by Ravi Kumar Roddam, Director (Finance), on behalf of CSL and commandant designate of Coast Guard Commander Ashok Kumar.

Apart from the 20 Fast Patrol Vessels for the Coast Guard, the yard is also constructing the country’s first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier, a Offshore Support Vessel for Norwegian owner and Buoy Tender Vessel for Directorate of Light Houses and Light Ships.

source: htttp://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> PTI Stories / by Press Trust of India / Kochi – March 04th, 2014