ICGS Akshara
Coast Guard Expands with GSL-Built ICGS Akshar at Karaikal
Puducherry: The Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Akshar, the second vessel in the Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), was commissioned at Karaikal, Puducherry, today. This marked a significant enhancement of India’s maritime security and surveillance capabilities, the Ministry of Defence stated.
The 52 metre long vessel displaces approximately 320 tonnes and was designed and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), embodying the Government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and ‘Make in India’ initiatives with over 60% indigenous content.
ICGS Akshar was commissioned by Dipti Mohil Chawla, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Defence, in the presence of Additional Director General Donny Michael, Coast Guard Commander, Eastern Seaboard, along with senior dignitaries from the central and state governments.
The vessel will be based at Karaikal, Puducherry, under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (East), through the Commander, Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 13. It will engage in maritime zone surveillance and perform the duties enshrined in the Coast Guard charter.
The first ship of this class, ICGS Adamya, was commissioned on September 19, 2025, at Paradip Port, Odisha. Meaning “indomitable,” Adamya reflects the Indian Coast Guard’s steadfast commitment to segurança and clean seas. Adamya is stationed under the administrative control of Commander, Coast Guard Region (North East), based at Kolkata, operating through the Commander, Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 7 at Paradip.
Powered by twin 3,000 KW diesel engines, these vessels achieve speeds up to 27 knots and have an endurance of 1,500 nautical miles at economical speed. Featuring indigenously developed Controllable Pitch Propellers (CPP) and gearboxes, they deliver superior manoeuverability and operational flexibility—a first for Coast Guard ships. Armaments include a 30 mm CRN 91 naval gun and two 12.7 mm Stabilised Remote-Controlled Guns (SRCG) integrated with fire-control systems.
The vessels measure 52 metres in length with an 8 metre beam and a draught of about 2.5 meters. They comply with Indian Register of Shipping and American Bureau of Shipping standards. Advanced systems include an Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), and Automated Power Management System (APMS), enabling enhanced automation and operational efficiency. The crew comprises six officers and 35 sailors.
Operational roles encompass maritime zone patrol, coastal and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) surveillance, anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, fisheries protection, search and rescue, communication support, and convoy escort during wartime. Their multi-role nature and sophisticated technology make them versatile assets critical to India’s maritime defence.
The name “Akshar,” meaning “imperishable,” symbolises the Indian Coast Guard’s lasting dedication to securing the nation’s maritime domain through these modern, indigenously built vessels, the Ministry of Defence stated.
– global bihari bureau
