MDL lays keel, marks dual shipbuilding milestone
· Free Press Journal
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, marked a significant advancement in its prestigious Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) programme for the Indian Coast Guard with the successful conduct of two major milestones on 06 Apr 2026.
The Keel Laying Ceremony of the fourth Fast Patrol Vessel (Y-16504) and the Plate Cutting Ceremony of the seventh vessel (Y-16507) were held at MDL premises in Mumbai.
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The ceremony was presided over by DIG Rajesh S. Gandhe, CGRPS, CGRPT (MBI), in the presence of Mr. A. Vinod, Executive Director (Shipbuilding), MDL, along with senior officials from the Indian Coast Guard, classification societies—ABS and IRS, and MDL.
MDL is executing a contract for the design, construction, and delivery of 14 Fast Patrol Vessels for the Indian Coast Guard, with a total project value of approximately ₹1,070.47 crores.
These vessels are being built with advanced features and will be dual-class certified by ABS and IRS, ensuring compliance with stringent global standards. Designed as high-speed crafts, the vessels will be powered by waterjet propulsion systems and high-performance diesel engines, capable of achieving speeds exceeding 33 knots.
Primarily intended for coastal surveillance, maritime security, and fisheries protection, the vessels will also be equipped to undertake search and rescue operations, particularly in shallow and uncharted waters.
In addition, the vessels will possess multi-role capabilities including escort of coastal convoys, communication support, logistics assistance, medical evacuation, and the ability to augment naval operations during exigencies.
The ceremonies mark a crucial milestone in the execution of the project and reaffirm MDL’s commitment to strengthening India’s maritime defence infrastructure through timely delivery and technological excellence.