Coast Guard training ship

PIPAVAV, Gujarat: ICGS Varuna, an indigenously-designed training vessel built by Reliance Naval and Engineering Limited for the Indian Coast Guard, was launched here on Wednesday.

The vessel was formally launched at a function held in the presence of Coast Guard Director General Rajendra Singh at the Pipavav Shipyard.

Speaking at the launch, Singh said: “Currently, the ICGS has a fleet of 138 vessels, While another 71 vessels are under various phases of construction.” He also asked the RNEL to deliver the vessels to the Coast Guard as per schedule.

RNEL CEO Debashis Bir said that the vessels would be delivered to the Indian Coast Guard by the end of May 2019 after extensive tests and trials.

Bir said that ICGS Varuna is a 105-metre-long vessel with a compliment of 242 officers and sailors. It is powered by twin diesel engines and can reach speeds of 20 knots.

“The vessel is a first-of-its kind, next-generation training ship and has been entirely designed by the design bureau of RNEL.” He said that the vessel is equipped with ultra-modern navigation and communication systems.

He said that the RNEL works on the modern 3D technology, which is based on virtual reality and the entire vessel has been designed on 3D platform instead of drawing books.