Press Releases 2013-14

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd launched the Offshore Patrol Vessel (MOPV) built for Government of Mauritius on 02 August 2013 at 0815 Hrs from the Main yard . The Ship was launched by Mrs K O Fong Weng-Poorun,Senior Chief Executive, PMO, Govt of Mauritius in august presence of His Excellency Dr Arye Kumar Juggessar, GOSK, High Commissioner, Government of Mauritius, Vice Admiral Pradeep K Chatterjee, AVSM, NM, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral (Retd) A.K. Verma, VSM, Chairman & Managing Director, GRSE and other dignitaries from Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs and State administration. During this ceremony, the ship has been christened “CGS Barracuda”.

GRSE had signed the contract for this prestigious export order on 4th March, 2011 which is not only a significant milestone in the Indo-Mauritian co-operation but also ushered in a new chapter in Indian Shipbuilding with the first ever export order for a warship placed on an Indian Shipyard. The Keel of the ship was laid in 23 April 2012.

The Mauritius OPV measuring 74.10 mtr in length, 11.40 mtr in breadth, shall be capable of moving at a maximum speed of 20 knots with an approximate displacement of 1300 tonnes. The ship has been fitted with state-of-the-art Main Engines, Controls and Integrated Bridge System catering to all needs of Communication and Navigation. The ship will be provided with improved habitability with fully air-conditioned modular accommodation.

With the objective of ensuring safety and security of maritime zone/EEZ of Mauritius, MOPV has been designed for playing multipurpose roles viz, Anti Piracy, Search & Rescue Operation, Anti Smuggling & Anti-Drug Surveillance, Anti Poaching Operation, Logistic Support Operation (including Transportation of Dry Cargo, Fuel Oil, Fresh Food), Pollution Response and External Fire Fighting, Transportation of Small Detachment of Troops/Personnel, Helicopter Operations (without hangar).

With the augmentation of state-of-the-art infrastructure/facilities and with its team of dedicated and motivated workmen and officers, GRSE is well poised to take newer challenges to achieve greater heights in future. GRSE, A “Mini Ratna” company, has constructed and delivered as many as 84 warships for Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. This first ever export project of warship is yet another feather in the cap of GRSE, which has been declared the “Best Performing Shipyard of the Country” by Hon’ble Raksha Mantri in 2012.