India's Maritime Security Push: Coast Guard Ship Akshar With 60 Per Cent Indigenous Content Commissioned At Karaikal

The Indian Coast Guard on Saturday (4 October) commissioned its newest vessel, ICGS Akshar, at Karaikal, marking a significant push to the country’s maritime capabilities, the India Today reported.

The 51-metre fast patrol vessel (FPV) is the second ship in the indigenously built Adamya-class series and will be based at Karaikal, Puducherry.

Named Akshar, meaning “imperishable,” the vessel is designed to enhance surveillance and safeguard India’s maritime interests along the eastern seaboard.

Built by Goa Shipyard Limited with over 60 per cent indigenous content, the ship reflects the government’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

Weighing around 320 tonnes, Akshar is powered by twin 3,000 KW diesel engines capable of speeds up to 27 knots and an endurance of 1,500 nautical miles.

The ship is equipped with indigenously developed controllable pitch propellers, a 30 mm CRN91 gun, and two 12.7 mm stabilised remote-controlled machine guns.

Advanced systems like the Integrated Bridge System, Platform Management System, and Automated Power Management System further enhance operational efficiency.

ICGS Akshar will operate under the command of Commandant (JG) Subhendu Chakraborty, with a crew of five officers and 33 personnel.

Its missions will include coastal surveillance, anti-smuggling operations, and other critical tasks to safeguard India’s maritime frontiers.

Officials noted that the induction of Akshar adds a modern, self-reliant asset to the Coast Guard fleet, strengthening India’s readiness to protect its maritime borders and ensuring greater security along the eastern seaboard.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by Dipti Mohil Chawla, IDAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Defence, and Additional Director General Donny Michael, PTM, TM, Coast Guard Commander (Eastern Seaboard), along with senior officials from both central and state governments.

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