In a significant boost to India’s marine conservation and disaster response capabilities, Goa has launched the nation’s first dedicated marine pollution control vessel. The state-of-the-art vessel, named Samudra Pratap, is the first of two such indigenous vessels being built by Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
While its primary mission is to combat oil spills and other forms of marine pollution, the vessel is also equipped for a dual role in marine research, with a specific focus on the conservation of whale sharks. This unique combination of functions marks a new chapter in India’s efforts to safeguard its maritime environment and protect vulnerable marine species.
Samudra Pratap is a formidable 114.5-meter long vessel with a displacement of 4,170 tonnes. It is outfitted with advanced pollution control equipment, including two side-sweeping arms capable of collecting oil spills while underway, and a sophisticated radar system for detecting oil slicks. The vessel is designed to recover a wide range of oil types, from light to highly viscous, at a rate of 300 tonnes per hour. It can also analyze and separate pollutants and store recovered oil in dedicated onboard tanks.
Beyond its core pollution response capabilities, the vessel’s research facilities will be instrumental in a collaborative effort with organizations like the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), which has been spearheading the Pan-India Whale Shark Conservation Project. The vessel will provide a platform for scientists to conduct research on whale shark migration patterns, population dynamics, and habitat use, particularly in the Arabian Sea, where these gentle giants are known to frequent.
The launch of Samudra Pratap not only enhances the Indian Coast Guard’s ability to respond to maritime emergencies but also reinforces India’s commitment to the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative. With over 60% indigenous content, the project has also contributed to skill development and employment generation within the local shipbuilding industry.
