Chowgule & Company Pvt. Ltd., a shipbuilding and infrastructure development ccompany, has commenced construction of the first of six Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at its shipyard in Goa. The vessels are being built under a contract worth INR 3,874.4 million, signed with the Ministry of Defence on 24 October 2024.
Based on Griffon Hoverwork designs and adapted for local coastal conditions, the ACVs are intended for multipurpose missions—including high‑speed coastal patrolling, search and rescue, reconnaissance, and interception. This marks the ICG’s first initiative to induct indigenously constructed hovercraft, with significant participation from Indian designers and suppliers.
The girder‑laying and commencement of erection ceremony took place on 30 July 2025 at Chowgule’s Goa facility, in the presence of Inspector General Sudhir Sahni, Deputy Director General (Materiel & Maintenance) of the ICG.
Procured under the Buy (Indian) category, the ACVs will be manufactured in India, contributing to domestic defence capabilities and boosting technical development in the MSME and ancillary sectors.
Chowgule & Company, headquartered in Goa, is engaged in shipbuilding and infrastructure development. The firm has previously delivered vessels for both domestic and international clients and continues to expand its footprint in maritime manufacturing.
