Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), a government-owned shipbuilding company, has officially commenced production of two major projects for the Indian Coast Guard. A plate-cutting ceremony was held on December 19, 2024, marking the beginning of construction for the first of 14 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) and the second of six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs).
The FPV project, valued at ₹1,070.47 crore, involves the design and construction of vessels equipped with waterjet propulsion systems and high-speed diesel engines, capable of exceeding speeds of 33 knots. These vessels will be used for patrolling coastal waters, protecting fisheries, and conducting search and rescue missions in shallow waters. The FPVs are also designed to support wartime operations such as communication, convoy escort, logistics, and medical evacuations. The first FPV is expected to be delivered in March 2026.
In addition to the FPVs, MDL is building six NGOPVs under a ₹1,614.89 crore contract. These vessels are fitted with twin controllable pitch propellers powered by 9,000 kW engines, enabling speeds above 23 knots. The NGOPVs are intended for coastal and offshore patrolling, maritime zone policing, anti-piracy operations, and ocean surveillance. The first NGOPV is slated for delivery in July 2027, followed by the second in December 2027.
The ceremony was attended by MDL’s Director of Shipbuilding Biju George, senior Coast Guard officials DIG Shajen Kurian and DIG Alankar Singh, and other representatives from MDL and the Indian Coast Guard.
According to MDL, these projects represent significant milestones in enhancing India’s maritime capabilities. Both vessel types will be classified under dual certification standards of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).