ICGS Varad

The Indian Coast Guard inducted ICGS Varad into service, in the presence of union minister for shipping, at the Chennai Port.

• ICGS Varad Features:

ICGS Varad is of the Vikram-class Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) series. It is equipped with special features like Integrated Bridge System, Platform Management System, Automated Power Management System and High Power External Fire-Fighting system. It is also equipped with 30 mm and 12.7 mm guns. Its maximum speed is 26 knots. It can operate without refuelling for 5,000 nautical miles.

• ICGS Varad Functions:

It is to be used by the Indian Coast Guard on the eastern coast. It is under the operational control of Coast Guard North Eastern Region. It is to be used for swift boarding operations (it can carry 4 high speed boats and a twin engine helicopter), law enforcement, search and rescue missions and also maritime patrol. It can also respond to oil spill accidents at sea as it can carry the necessary pollution response equipment.

• Other Vessels of the Vikram-class OPV:

ICGS Varad is one of the Vikram-class OPVs developed by Larsen and Toubro Shipbuilding at the Kattupalli Yard in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The other vessels of the series are ICGS Vikram, ICGS Vijaya, ICGS Veera, ICGS Varaha and ICGS Vajra.