**Summary of Keel Laying for Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs)**
**Event Overview**
On March 17, 2026, the keel laying ceremony for Yard 16402 and 16403—the second and third ships in a series of six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs)—took place at M/s YMPL, Ratnagiri. The ceremony was presided over by IG Sudhir Sahni, TM, DDG (M&M), with senior officials from the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in attendance.
**Technical Specifications and Capabilities**
The NGOPVs are designed to enhance the ICG’s operational reach and maritime security capabilities. Key specifications include:
* **Dimensions:** 117 meters in length.
* **Performance:** Maximum speed of 23 knots and an operational range of 5,000 nautical miles.
* **Capacity:** Accommodations for 11 officers and 110 personnel.
* **Advanced Technology:** The vessels will be equipped with state-of-the-art systems, including:
* AI-based predictive maintenance systems.
* Remote Piloted Drones.
* Integrated Bridge System (IBS).
* Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).
**Strategic Context and Procurement**
The project is a significant component of the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative, with the vessels being indigenously designed, developed, and constructed by MDL. The procurement falls under the **Buy (Indian-IDDM)** category. The contract for the construction of the six NGOPVs was originally concluded on December 20, 2023.
**Administrative Information**
* **Release ID:** 2241660
* **Posting Date:** March 18, 2026, 2:15 PM
* **Origin:** PIB Delhi, Ministry of Defence
Key Entities Referenced
Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs): A fleet of six indigenously designed and developed ships being constructed to enhance the Indian Coast Guard's operational capabilities and coastal security.
Indian Coast Guard (ICG): The primary maritime agency and end-user for which the NGOPVs are being built to safeguard India’s maritime interests.
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL): The defense public sector undertaking responsible for the design, development, and construction of the NGOPV fleet.
Buy (Indian-IDDM): The procurement category emphasizing Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured equipment under which the vessel contract was awarded.
Atmanirbhar Bharat: The national vision for self-reliance in defense production that drives the indigenous development and construction of these vessels.
Ministry of Defence
Keel laying of two Next Generation Offshore
Patrol Vessels for ICG
Posted On: 18 MAR 2026 2:15PM by PIB Delhi
The keel laying ceremony of Yard 16402 & 16403, the second and third ship of six Next Generation
Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), was held at M/s YMPL, Ratnagiri on March 17, 2026.
With a range of 5,000 nautical miles, these ships will be capable of achieving a maximum speed of 23
knots. Measuring 117 meters in length and having a strength of 11 officers and 110 men, it will also
feature state-of-the-art machinery and advanced technological systems, including AI-based predictive
maintenance systems, Remote Piloted Drones, Integrated Bridge System (IBS), and Integrated Platform
Management System (IPMS).
This ship is being indigenously designed, developed, and constructed by MDL under the Buy (Indian-
IDDM) category, in line with the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The contract for the
construction of six Next Generation OPVs was concluded on December 20, 2023.
This initiative marks a key milestone in the ICG’s ongoing efforts to enhance its operational capabilities
and bolster coastal security. The addition of a new fleet of NGOPVs will further ensure strengthening the
ICG's role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests.
The ceremony was presided over by IG Sudhir Sahni, TM, DDG (M&M), in the presence of senior
officials from Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and MDL.*****
SR/NJ
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