The launch of Samudra Prachet heralds India’s self-reliance in defence and maritime infrastructure, enhancing its capability to combat marine pollution and uphold global environmental standards.
Key Details about Samudra Prachet
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) unveiled ‘Samudra Prachet’, the second indigenous Pollution Control Vessel (PCV), on July 23, 2025, at Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL), bolstering India’s oil spill response capabilities within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Background
The construction of two dedicated pollution control vessels by Goa Shipyard Ltd was initiated to address environmental concerns arising from increased maritime traffic and industrial activities in the Indian Ocean Region. The launch of Samudra Prachet completes this strategic initiative.
Significance
Samudra Prachet’s induction enhances India’s readiness to combat marine pollution and respond swiftly to oil spills, aligning with its strategic and environmental security interests in the Indian Ocean Region. It strengthens the Indian Coast Guard’s role under the Maritime Zones of India Act, 1981, and international conventions like MARPOL.
Objectives
- Enhancing oil spill response capabilities across India’s maritime zones
- Supporting coastal and marine environmental protection efforts
- Strengthening inter-agency maritime coordination in emergencies
- Promoting self-reliance in maritime infrastructure through indigenous shipbuilding
Features of Samudra Prachet
- Length: 114.5 meters
- Width: 16.5 meters
- Displacement: 4,170 tonnes
- Construction: Built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL)
- Equipment: State-of-the-art pollution response systems
- Operational Scope: Rapid response within India’s EEZ
- Leadership: Launched in the presence of ICG Director General Paramesh Sivamani and Ministry of Defence officials
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
For competitive exams, remember the following key points about Samudra Prachet:
- Samudra Prachet is India’s new Pollution Control Vessel launched by the Indian Coast Guard on July 23, 2025.
- It enhances India’s oil spill response capabilities and supports environmental protection efforts.
- The vessel is crucial for India’s maritime security and aligns with global environmental standards.
- Samudra Prachet is a significant step towards self-reliance in maritime infrastructure and indigenous shipbuilding.
