MDL Marks Key Milestone with New Coast Guard Vessels
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), a prominent Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU), celebrated a significant achievement on March 17, 2026, with the keel laying of the second and third ships in a series of six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard. The ceremony, presided over by IG Sudhir Sahni, TM DDG (M&M), took place at Yeoman Marine Services Pvt Ltd in Ratnagiri, attended by key officials from MDL, the Indian Coast Guard, and representatives from classification societies ABS and IRS.
Details of the NGOPV Project
MDL has entered into a contract with the Indian Coast Guard to design, construct, and deliver a total of six NGOPVs, with the project valued at ₹1,614.89 crores. Each vessel will be equipped with twin Controllable Pitch Propellers powered by 9,000 kW engines, enabling them to achieve speeds exceeding 23 knots. These vessels will be classified under a Dual Class system, adhering to standards set by both ABS and IRS.
The NGOPVs are designed as High-Speed Crafts under Class HSC regulations. Their primary functions will include coastal and offshore patrolling, policing of maritime zones, fisheries protection, anti-smuggling and anti-piracy operations, as well as search and rescue missions. Additionally, they will play a crucial role in ocean surveillance and monitoring sea lines of communication (SLOCs).
The second and third vessels, designated Y-16402 and Y-16403, are slated for delivery in December 2027 and May 2028, respectively. The keel laying ceremony signifies a pivotal moment in the shipbuilding process, marking the official start of hull assembly for these advanced patrol vessels.
