The Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Akshar, the second vessel in a series of eight Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), was commissioned into service at Karaikal, Puducherry, on Saturday. The 51-metre-long vessel has been designed and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), showcasing the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and advancing the Government’s Make in India initiative with over 60% indigenous content.
Commissioned by Dipti Mohil Chawla, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Defence, in the presence of Additional Director General Donny Michael, Coast Guard Commander, Eastern Seaboard, the event was attended by senior officials from the central and state governments.
Displacing approximately 320 tons, ICGS Akshar is powered by twin 3,000 KW diesel engines, achieving a maximum speed of 27 knots and an endurance of 1,500 nautical miles. The ship is equipped with indigenously developed Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) and gearboxes, providing superior manoeuvrability and operational flexibility.
Its advanced weapon systems include a 30 mm CRN 91 gun and two 12.7 mm Stabilized Remote-Controlled Guns (SRCG), integrated with a fire-control system. State-of-the-art systems such as the Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), and Automated Power Management System (APMS) further enhance automation and operational efficiency.
Based at Karaikal under the administrative control of the Commander Coast Guard Region (East), ICGS Akshar will be deployed for maritime surveillance, coastal security, and law enforcement duties.
Named after the Sanskrit word Akshar, meaning “imperishable,” the vessel symbolizes the Coast Guard’s steadfast resolve to ensure safe, secure, and clean seas, reinforcing India’s growing maritime strength and self-reliant shipbuilding capabilities.