The fast patrol vessel ICGS Rani Gaidinliu of the Indian Coast Guard was commissioned at Visakhapatnam by Director General Rajendra Singh, PTM, TM, Indian Coast Guard (ICG), in the presence of Inspector General Rajan Bargotra, TM Commander Coast Guard Region (East), and other senior dignitaries of the Central and state governments. The ship has been named after famous freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu from Manipur.

The 51-metre fast patrol vessel (FPV), ICGS Rani Gaidinliu, the fourth of its class, has been designed and built indigenously by the Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL). The vessel is equipped with the most advanced and sophisticated navigational and communication sensors and equipment. The ship is propelled by three MTU 4000 series diesel engines of 2,720 kW capacity at 2,100 rpm each coupled with three 71S2 Rolls-Royce Kamewa Jets and can achieve a maximum speed of 34 knots. This is the fourth FPV among the five vessels being constructed by HSL. Speaking during the commissioning of the vessel, DG ICG lauded the efforts of the Coast Guard in guarding the coastal security.

Explaining the role of ICGS Rani Gaidinliu, the DG ICG said that the FPV will primarily focus on surveillance at the sea, coastal patrol, anti-smuggling operations, protection of fishermen apart from the routine search and rescue operations. ICGS Rani Gaidinliu has a complement of 5 officers and 34 men and is commanded by Commandant Ramesh V. Talke. The ship will be based at Krishnapatnam under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (East).

ICGS Rani Gaidinliu on joining will enhance Coast Guard’s capability in furthering its mandate of maritime safety, security of the eastern seaboard.