Captain of Ports to buy fast patrol boat for coastal vigilance

Panaji: The Captain of Ports (CoP) department has moved to purchase a high-speed fibreglass patrol boat capable of operating in both shallow waters and Goan territorial waters. The CoP wants a twin-engine, 15-m-long boat that can remain deployed for up to eight hours. The boat should have the ability to remain afloat even when filled with water, it has said.

The patrol boat is aimed at boosting coastal surveillance and ensuring rapid response capability in near-shore environments. It will be capable of operating in ‘sea state 4’ conditions in open waters, including breaking waves near the coastline. “The craft shall be capable of being put to sea for operation in the shortest possible time,” said the proposal for the patrol vessel.

Powered by two turbo-charged marine diesel engines, the vessel will have a cruising speed of 15-20 knots while being able to speed up to 25 knots when required. To ensure that the vessel can operate for eight hours at a stretch, the CoP has specified that it should have an 1,800-litre fuel tank with a 25% ballast fuel reserve.

The CoP’s search for a fast patrol boat is expected to pique the interest of several local shipyards that have the capability to build such vessels.

The CoP, however, has a sketchy record in operating vessels. A solar ferry boat procured for almost Rs 4 crore has proved to be unviable and remains parked at the floating jetty. Earlier this year, the department decided to sell the ML Saligao, a dual-engine, diesel-powered vessel, which was purchased in 2018 for Rs 1.1 crore.

Once Goa govt places the order for the boat, it will take six months to build and deliver. The vessel shall have a lifespan of more than 10 years. The CoP currently has a 15-m-long motor launch, MV Cabo II, for operations.

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