Samudra Prachet launch 2025 marks a milestone in India’s indigenous defence shipbuilding. Learn how this pollution control vessel enhances India’s marine environmental security and supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Meet Samudra Prachet: India’s Game‑Changing Pollution Control Vessel
Indigenous Maritime Innovation Takes Centre Stage
On 23 July 2025, Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) launched Samudra Prachet, India’s second and final Pollution Control Vessel (PCV), built for the Indian Coast Guard at its Vasco da Gama shipyard in Goa This 114.5‑metre vessel with a 4,170‑tonne displacement marks a significant milestone in India’s indigenous marine defence capability
Cutting‑Edge Design & Technical Capabilities
Designed and constructed entirely in‑house by GSL, Samudra Prachet features over 72% indigenous content, underscoring India’s commitment to self‑reliance in defence manufacturing The vessel hosts two side‑sweeping arms for oil-spill recovery during motion, state-of-the-art oil slick detection radar, as well as onboard systems to pump, analyze, separate and store pollutants, suitable for handling the entire range of oil viscosities
Strategic Role in Environmental Security
The vessel strengthens national preparedness for marine pollution incidents, especially oil spills, within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)It complements Samudra Pratap, launched in August 2024, completing India’s two‑vessel PCV fleet
Leadership Speaks: Highlighting Vision & Collaboration
The launch was presided over by Smt. Priya Paramesh, with DG of ICG Paramesh Sivamani officiating the ceremony and emphasizing the vessel’s importance in coastal environmental protection and Aatmanirbharta in defence productionGSL’s Chairman & MD Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay lauded the contributions of local MSMEs and industries in achieving high indigenous content and fostering local employment
Enabling Sovereign Environmental Response
Manned by 14 officers and 115 sailors, Samudra Prachet significantly enhances India’s capacity to respond to ecological emergencies at sea, underpinning the Coast Guard’s dual role in maritime security and environmental stewardship
In essence, Samudra Prachet is not only a high‑tech pollution response platform but also a showcase of India’s growing shipbuilding capabilities and environmental vigilance.
Why This News Is Important
Strategic Environmental Preparedness
As maritime traffic and ecological threats increase, India’s ability to respond to oil spills and maritime accidents becomes critical. Samudra Prachet boosts national readiness to secure marine ecosystems within the EEZ, reinforcing environmental surveillance and response mechanisms
Supports Exam Aspirants in Diverse Fields
For aspirants preparing for civil services (IAS/IPS/PCS), defence, coast guard, banking and SSC exams, this news is highly relevant. It connects themes like Aatmanirbharta, environmental governance, maritime safety laws (MARPOL, Maritime Zones of India Act) and strategic infrastructure—common in current affairs sections.
Demonstrates Atmanirbhar Bharat in Action
The vessel’s 72% indigenous content highlights the government’s push to build national capability in defence production. This real-world case supports exam topics on self-reliance, Make in India, and the growth of MSMEs in strategic sectors
Historical Context
Evolution of Pollution Control Vessels in India
India’s first PCV, Samudra Prahari, was launched in 2007 and commissioned in 2010, followed by Samudra Paheredar in 2012, both built on foreign designs to safeguard maritime zones on the east coast
The GSL-class vessels represent a new indigenously designed successor. The first, Samudra Pratap, launched in August 2024, inaugurated this self‑reliant era. Samudra Prachet, launched in July 2025, completes the two‑ship order signed in June 2021 for enhanced pollution response in sensitive zones like the Andaman & Nicobar region, with over 72% local content and involvement of more than 200 MSME vendors
Key Takeaways from Samudra Prachet
| S. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Samudra Prachet launched on 23 July 2025 is India’s second PCV, built by GSL. |
| 2 | The vessel is 114.5 m long, displaces 4,170 tonnes, and is crewed by 14 officers and 115 sailors. |
| 3 | It is equipped with two sweeping arms, oil detection radar, pollution separation & storage systems. |
| 4 | 72% indigenous content, supporting MSMEs and advancing Aatmanirbharta in defence shipbuilding. |
| 5 | Crucial for oil-spill response within India’s EEZ, fulfilling international obligations like MARPOL. |
📌 FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Samudra Prachet?
Samudra Prachet is an indigenously built Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) launched by Goa Shipyard Limited for the Indian Coast Guard to manage marine pollution and oil spills in Indian waters.
2. When was Samudra Prachet launched?
The vessel was launched on 23 July 2025 at Goa Shipyard’s facility in Vasco da Gama, Goa.
3. What are the key features of Samudra Prachet?
It includes two sweeping arms for oil recovery, oil detection radar, and systems for analyzing, separating, and storing pollutants. It also boasts over 72% indigenous content.
4. How does Samudra Prachet support India’s defence and environmental goals?
It enhances India’s maritime ecological preparedness, aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, and helps fulfill international environmental obligations like MARPOL.
5. What was the first PCV under this class?
The first PCV of this series is Samudra Pratap, which was launched in August 2024.
6. What is the capacity and size of the vessel?
Samudra Prachet is 114.5 metres long, displaces 4,170 tonnes, and is manned by 14 officers and 115 sailors.
7. Why are Pollution Control Vessels important for India?
With rising maritime traffic, PCVs are crucial for combating accidental oil spills, protecting marine biodiversity, and maintaining ecological balance along India’s coastline.
Some Important Current Affairs Links
