India indigenous pollution vessel ICGS Samudra Pratap commissioned on January 5, 2026, enhancing maritime security, environmental protection, and self-reliance in shipbuilding.
India Commissions ICGS Samudra Pratap — Nation’s First Indigenous Pollution Control Vessel
On January 05, 2026, India achieved a major milestone in maritime security and environmental protection with the commissioning of the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samudra Pratap, the first indigenously designed and built pollution control vessel (PCV). The ceremony was presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Goa, marking a pivotal step in India’s pursuit of self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) in shipbuilding and maritime capability development.
ICGS Samudra Pratap is not only the largest vessel in the Indian Coast Guard fleet but also a multi-role platform capable of handling pollution control, firefighting, coastal patrol, maritime surveillance, and broader safety operations. Built with over 60% indigenous content, the ship reflects India’s growing industrial capability in defence manufacturing and advanced ship design.
Design and Operational Features of ICGS Samudra Pratap
Samudra Pratap measures approximately 114.5 meters in length and displaces around 4,200 tonnes. It is powered by twin 7,500 kW diesel engines driving indigenously developed controllable pitch propellers, enabling speeds of over 22 knots and a range of 6,000 nautical miles.
To fulfill its pollution control mandate, the vessel is equipped with advanced systems such as:
- Side-sweeping arms, floating booms, and high-capacity skimmers for oil spill response
- A dedicated onboard pollution control laboratory
- Portable barges and dynamic positioning capabilities for efficient operations even in rough sea conditions
- Fire-fighting systems (Fi-Fi Class 1)
- Helicopter hangar and aviation support facilities for extended missions
Multi-Role Capabilities Beyond Pollution Control
While its primary role remains marine pollution response, Samudra Pratap incorporates additional features that enhance India’s maritime safety and coastal security. The ship boasts modern navigation and automation systems, including an Integrated Bridge System, Integrated Platform Management System, and Automated Power Management System. It also carries defensive armaments such as a 30 mm CRN-91 gun and two 12.7 mm stabilised remote-controlled guns, allowing it to support coastal patrol missions and secure India’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
A Step Forward in Gender Representation
A historic aspect of this commissioning is the maiden appointment of two women officers onboard Samudra Pratap, who will serve alongside their male counterparts in critical roles. This marks an important chapter in enhancing gender diversity within the Indian Coast Guard’s operational community.
Government’s Vision and Strategic Impact
Delivering the keynote address at the commissioning, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted how the new vessel embodies India’s mature defence industrial ecosystem and contributes towards the government’s target of increasing indigenous content in shipbuilding to nearly 90%. The addition of Samudra Pratap significantly boosts India’s ability to respond to environmental emergencies, safeguard marine ecology, and reinforce maritime security across the Indian Ocean Region.
Why This News Is Important for Government Exam Aspirants
Relevance to National Security and Environmental Policy
The commissioning of ICGS Samudra Pratap is a key development under India’s maritime security policy and environmental protection strategy. For aspirants preparing for UPSC, State PSCs, CDS, NDA, CAPF, and other competitive exams, this reflects the government’s integrated approach to security, ecological preservation, and coastal safety — a recurring theme in General Studies (GS) papers.
Significance in Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India
Exam questions often focus on government initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and Make in India. Samudra Pratap’s indigenous design and construction by Goa Shipyard Limited showcase India’s growing capability in defence manufacturing and high-technology sectors. Understanding such initiatives helps in answering questions on economic development, industrial policy, and technological advancements.
Environmental Security and Maritime Governance
With increasing concerns over marine pollution due to oil spills and industrial waste, coastal security is emerging as a crucial part of India’s blue economy strategy. This news underscores the importance of environmental governance and maritime domain awareness, topics frequently asked in GS III (Environment and Disaster Management) and GS II (Polity and Governance).
Women Empowerment in Defence Services
The appointment of women officers onboard Samudra Pratap highlights progressive gender inclusion in security forces, aligning with questions related to social empowerment, reservation policies, and gender representation in leadership roles.
Historical Context of ICGS Samudra Pratap
Background of Pollution Control Vessels in India
India’s maritime zones cover over 7,500 km of coastline, requiring robust security and environmental protection capabilities. Historically, marine pollution response has depended on foreign assistance or limited coastal resources. Recognising the need for dedicated vessels, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) in June 2021 to construct two Pollution Control Vessels for the Indian Coast Guard.
Development Timeline
The keel for Samudra Pratap was laid in November 2022, and the ship was launched in August 2024. After rigorous trials and outfitting with modern systems, it was commissioned on January 05, 2026, becoming the first fully indigenised PCV in India’s maritime fleet.
Link to India’s Strategic Maritime Goals
India’s maritime strategy emphasises sustainable development, pollution management, and security across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The induction of a pollution control vessel not only supports marine ecology but also reinforces India’s role as a responsible maritime power in international forums and bilateral security cooperation.
Key Takeaways from ICGS Samudra Pratap Commissioning
| S.No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1. | ICGS Samudra Pratap is India’s first indigenously designed and built pollution control vessel commissioned on 05 January 2026. |
| 2. | The vessel enhances marine pollution response, firefighting, maritime surveillance, and coastal patrol capabilities. |
| 3. | Built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) with over 60% indigenous content, reflecting Aatmanirbhar Bharat. |
| 4. | It features advanced systems like dynamic positioning, pollution control lab, and integrated automation systems. |
| 5. | The ship witnessed the maiden appointment of women officers, marking progress in gender inclusion in the Coast Guard. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is ICGS Samudra Pratap?
ICGS Samudra Pratap is India’s first indigenously designed and built pollution control vessel (PCV) commissioned on January 05, 2026, to enhance maritime security and environmental protection.
2. Who built ICGS Samudra Pratap?
It was built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) with over 60% indigenous content, under the Ministry of Defence’s initiative for self-reliance in shipbuilding.
3. What are the main roles of ICGS Samudra Pratap?
The ship serves multiple purposes: marine pollution control, firefighting, maritime surveillance, coastal patrol, and supporting emergency response operations.
4. What is the significance of ICGS Samudra Pratap for India’s maritime security?
It strengthens India’s coastal protection, ensures rapid pollution response, and reflects India’s capability in indigenous defence manufacturing as part of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
5. What are the technological features of Samudra Pratap?
It includes dynamic positioning, integrated bridge system, pollution control lab, Fi-Fi Class 1 firefighting system, helicopter hangar, and advanced navigation systems.
6. How does Samudra Pratap contribute to environmental protection?
Equipped with oil skimmers, side sweeping arms, floating booms, and pollution lab facilities, it is capable of mitigating oil spills and industrial marine pollution efficiently.
7. Are there women officers onboard Samudra Pratap?
Yes, this ship marks the maiden appointment of women officers, promoting gender inclusion in the Indian Coast Guard.
8. What is the size and capacity of Samudra Pratap?
The ship is approximately 114.5 meters long, displaces around 4,200 tonnes, with a range of 6,000 nautical miles and speeds exceeding 22 knots.
9. Which ministry oversees the commissioning of such vessels?
The Ministry of Defence oversees construction and commissioning through the Indian Coast Guard.
10. When was Samudra Pratap launched and commissioned?
Keel laid: November 2022 | Launched: August 2024 | Commissioned: January 05, 2026.
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