Article Posted on : - Oct 19, 2023

NEW DELHI (PTI): The Indian defence ministry said it has signed a contract with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd for construction of the first Indian Coast Guard training ship at a cost of Rs 310 crore.

It would be the first dedicated training platform with integral helicopter capabilities that will provide basic sea training to Coast Guard personnel and other international trainee officers, according to the ministry on Tuesday.

"The Ministry of Defence signed a contract for the construction of one training ship for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, Mumbai at a cost of Rs 310 crore," it said.

The ministry said the training ship with advanced and modern high-tech surveillance and monitoring systems will provide "profound insight and expertise" to the ICG cadets on the challenges at sea while ensuring the security of coastline and offshore assets.

"The majority of equipment and systems will be sourced from indigenous manufacturers, including MSMEs. The project envisages to generate significant employment over a period of three years," it said in a statement.

"While meeting the objectives of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', the contract would also boost the indigenous shipbuilding capability and help in bolstering maritime economic capabilities," the ministry said.