GRSE to deliver advanced vessel to the Seychelles

Kolkata:

Zoroaster

, the Iranian prophet and founder of Zoroastrianism, will soon be honoured by the

Seychelles

government, thanks to the efforts of Kolkata-based shipyard Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (

GRSE

). An agreement has been signed between them for the supply of a fast patrol vessel (FPV) to the coast guard of the island nation. Seychelles plans to christen the

ship

SCGS Zoroaster.

“We shall be delivering the FPV soon. We already have the vessel ready. It will be the second ship to be exported by GRSE. Earlier, the company exported a multipurpose offshore patrol vessel, the CGS Barracuda, to the Mauritius coast guard. That was the first warship to be exported by any Indian shipyard. Once the SCGS Zoroaster is delivered, we expect more orders from friendly maritime nations. Recently, a contract was signed by GRSE for supply of a passenger-cum-cargo carrying ocean going ferry to Guyana,” a senior GRSE official said.

The SCGS Zoroaster is an advanced, powerful and fuel-efficient vessel, capable of carrying out anti-smuggling and anti-poaching operations apart from routine patrols. It has a top speed of 34 knots and an endurance of over 1,500 nautical miles. It has a water jet propulsion system with advanced controls. The ship is fitted with a 40/60 gun and has modular air-conditioned accommodation for 35 personnel.

GRSE, which has built 787 platforms since its inception, including 106 for the maritime forces, also has a dedicated ship-repair facility. With more ships being exported, the shipyard is hopeful of their return after designated periods of time for repairs and refits like those of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. This would help in augmentation of revenue.