GRSE to Lay the Keel for the 1st and 2nd Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPV)
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Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) is poised to achieve a major milestone with the keel-laying of the first and second Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs), identified as Yard 3037 and 3038. This significant step will strengthen India's maritime security and support the nation’s strategic ambitions along the coast and in its territorial waters.
The NGOPV program is an ambitious project involving the construction of a series of eleven advanced offshore patrol vessels, spearheaded by two shipbuilding giants, GRSE and Goa Shipyard Ltd. (GSL). The vessels are being developed for the Indian Navy under a contract signed on March 30, 2023, with deliveries slated to begin in September 2026. This initiative represents a crucial part of the Indian Navy's modernization efforts, focusing on combat readiness and addressing a range of operational requirements.
Strategic Purpose and Capabilities
The Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels are designed to perform multiple roles essential for national defense and maritime security. Their primary objectives include anti-piracy operations, counter-infiltration, anti-poaching missions, anti-trafficking efforts, non-combatant evacuation operations, search and rescue (SAR), protection of offshore assets, and mine warfare. These versatile vessels will significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s ability to safeguard the nation’s waters from various threats, ensuring robust maritime defense capabilities.
A Follow-Up to the Shachi-Class Project
The NGOPV project has a unique history, evolving from the earlier Shachi-class offshore patrol vessel initiative, which faced substantial setbacks and was eventually canceled. The Indian Navy initially signed a contract for five Shachi-class vessels with Pipavav Shipyard (now known as Reliance Defence and Engineering). However, a series of delays—stemming from design partner changes and financial complications—led to the project’s cancellation in October 2020, more than a decade after it began.
To address the critical need for offshore patrol capabilities, the Indian Navy issued a new Request for Information (RFI) in 2017 for six ships. By 2018, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) had approved the revised project, with an estimated cost of ₹4,941 crore (equivalent to ₹66 billion or USD 790 million in 2023). To compensate for lost time, the project was later expanded to eleven vessels.
Just 5 days to go! GRSE is set to lay the keel for the 1st and 2nd Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPV) (Yard 3037 & 3038) — a step forward to strengthen next-generation maritime security! #CountdownToKeelLaying #GRSE #NGOPV pic.twitter.com/OWtfd5m3vl
— GRSE - Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (@OfficialGRSE) October 31, 2024
Competitive Bidding and Contract Award
The project was opened for competitive bidding, attracting interest from major shipyards across India. Public sector contenders included Cochin Shipyard, GRSE, Goa Shipyard, Hindustan Shipyard, and Mazagon Dock, while Larsen & Toubro emerged as the only private participant. After a rigorous evaluation, Goa Shipyard was selected as the lowest bidder (L1), with GRSE coming in as the second-lowest (L2). As a result, both shipyards were awarded contracts to share the construction of the NGOPVs.
The Ministry of Defence signed the contract on March 30, 2023, with a total project value of ₹9,781 crore (USD 1.2 billion). Goa Shipyard is responsible for constructing seven vessels, while GRSE will build four. The share of the contract for Goa Shipyard amounts to ₹6,200 crore (USD 740 million), with GRSE receiving ₹3,500 crore (USD 420 million).
Timeline and Construction Progress
The first ship from the project is expected to be delivered within 44 months of the contract signing, with the entire program scheduled to conclude in seven and a half years. To ensure timely construction, GRSE initiated the steel-cutting process for Yard 3039 and 3040 at its Rajabagan Dock on February 24, 2024. Similarly, Goa Shipyard commenced the construction of its first two NGOPVs on March 27, 2024.
Technical Specifications and Features
The NGOPVs are set to be formidable assets, with a displacement ranging from 2,500 to 2,900 tonnes and a length of 105 to 110 meters, depending on the design. These vessels will boast a cruising speed of 14 knots and a top speed exceeding 25 knots, with an impressive operational range of 8,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 14–15 knots. Their advanced design will incorporate state-of-the-art facilities, including a hangar capable of accommodating an HAL Dhruv helicopter, while the helipad will be equipped to handle helicopters weighing up to 15 tonnes. Additionally, the ships will have provisions to operate Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
Advanced Armaments and Mine Warfare Capability
The NGOPVs will be equipped to perform mine warfare roles through modular payloads, including the use of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and autonomous mine-laying systems. Their weaponry will include a 76mm main cannon, Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS), and sophisticated countermeasure systems such as Kavach decoy launchers and Maareech torpedo-countermeasure systems. Additionally, they will be equipped with Shyena torpedoes, which can be deployed via helicopter.
Cutting-Edge Surveillance and Fire Control
In conjunction with the vessel construction, the Ministry of Defence has ordered 13 units of BEL Lynx-U2 Fire Control Radar, valued at ₹1,700 crore (USD 200 million). Each NGOPV will be equipped with two such radars, enhancing the ships' surveillance and engagement capabilities.
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