On January 5, 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Samudra Pratap, marking a significant stride in India's self-reliance in shipbuilding and maritime capabilities. The ceremony took place in Goa.
The Samudra Pratap is the first of two Pollution Control Vessels (PCVs) built by Goa Shipyard Limited and is the first indigenously designed pollution control vessel. It is also the largest ship in the Indian Coast Guard fleet. The vessel boasts over 60% indigenous content. Singh stated that the government is aiming to increase indigenous content in warships to 90%.
The 114.5-meter vessel displaces 4,170 tonnes and can achieve speeds exceeding 22 knots, with an endurance of 6,000 nautical miles. Equipped with advanced pollution detection systems, specialized response boats, modern firefighting equipment, and a helicopter hangar with aviation facilities, Samudra Pratap is designed to operate effectively even in rough sea conditions. The ship also features an Integrated Bridge System, Integrated Platform Management System, Automated Power Management System, shaft generator, sea boat, PR boat with davit, and an external firefighting system. It is also equipped with a 30 mm CRN-91 gun and two 12.7mm remote-controlled guns with fire control systems.
The Samudra Pratap is designed to detect oil spills and undertake complex operations, including recovering pollutants from viscous oil, analyzing contaminants, and separating oil from contaminated water. The ship will function as a platform for enforcing maritime regulations, aiding in search and rescue, and safeguarding India's Exclusive Economic Zone. The vessel will be based at Kochi, under the operational control of the Coast Guard Region (West).
Singh emphasized the importance of marine environmental protection as both a strategic necessity and a moral responsibility. He stated that the Samudra Pratap will aid in preventing damage to marine ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves, and fisheries, while also supporting coastal communities and the blue economy. The commissioning of the Samudra Pratap aligns with India's maritime vision for peace, stability, and environmental responsibility in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Defence Minister also noted the growing role of women in the Coast Guard, mentioning that Samudra Pratap will have two women officers onboard. He hailed this as a step towards a more inclusive and gender-neutral force. Singh expressed confidence that Samudra Pratap will significantly strengthen India's maritime governance and environmental protection capabilities.
