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VASCO
Encouraging defence PSUs like the Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) to see themselves as manufacturers of an international class and not only depend on defence services, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday said defence PSUs should focus on world as a market to be reached out to and compete globally.
“There is immense demand from India and many South Eastern nations have shown interest and placed request to buy OPVs etc from India. The GSL should device a plan to work closely with ministry of commerce and ministry of defence to capture potential markets world over,” said Sitharaman.
The defence minister was addressing a gathering after launching the first vessel ‘Sachet’ of the indigenous project for five Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) for Indian Coast Guard at GSL. The ongoing shipbuilding project for five OPVs is one of the biggest orders being executed by GSL for the Indian Coast Guard.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call of ‘Make in India’ is not only to make in India for Indian markets but to export as well. The PM wants to see India as hub for manufacturing defence products,” said Sitharaman.
“The Indian armed forces is a market for everybody and the ‘Make in India’ initiative has encouraged Indian investors to also get into manufacturing for the defence forces. In a healthy competition between private and public sector, GSL has proved that they are as good as private sector,” the defence minister said.
Others present at the event included Union AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik, Rajya Sabha MP Vinay Tendulkar, Coast Guard Director General Rajendra Singh, Coast Guard Commander (Western Seaboard) ADG K Natarajan, Flag Officer Goa Area Rear Admiral Philipose G Pynumootil and GSL CMD Commodore B B Nagpal.
Sitharaman acknowledged the contribution of GSL in indigenous shipbuilding, catering to the acquisition requirements of the Indian maritime forces.
She further stressed on the need to capitalize on the consistent superior production performance of GSL and cater for the captive requirements of Indian Defence Services and also reach out for exports.
She also assured full support of the defence ministry in all endeavours of the shipyard.
GSL CMD Cmde Nagpal said the shipyard’s endeavour has been to maximise the indigenous content on these ships and more than 70% indigenisation has been achieved for these ships.
Entirely designed in-house by GSL professionals, these OPVs will form a formidable part of the Coast Guard fleet and will be used to protect the Exclusive Economic Zone of territorial water of the nation.
These vessels will be fitted with most modern and technologically advanced machinery and computerized controls systems, making them the most advanced Patrol Vessels in service with the Indian Coast Guard, on delivery.
These 2400 tonne vessels will be equipped with features like Quick Response Boats for rescue and anti-piracy, gunnery simulators and many more advanced features.
The hull would be the most efficient form designed by GSL and would provide for fuel efficiency, crew comfort and excellent sea keeping qualities.
