GRSE Strengthens Naval Modernisation with Keel Laying of 3rd Next-Gen Offshore Patrol Vessel
Kolkata: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd took another significant step in bolstering India’s naval capabilities by laying the keel of the third Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) on Friday, April 11, 2025. The ceremony reaffirms GRSE’s dedication to meeting project timelines as it constructs four NGOPVs for the Indian Navy.
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The event was graced by Shri S.G. Dastidar, Financial Adviser (Defence Services), Ministry of Defence, who served as the Chief Guest. Other notable attendees included Cmde P R Hari (IN Retd), Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE, Shri R.K. Dash, Director (Finance), Cdr Shantanu Bose (IN Retd), Director (Shipbuilding), DIG Subrato Ghosh (ICG Retd), Director (Personnel), Shri Abhishek Ranjan, IOFS, CVO, and senior representatives from the Indian Navy and GRSE.
With the keel already laid for the first two NGOPVs and construction of the fourth underway, GRSE has effectively adopted modular shipbuilding practices—an advanced approach allowing ships to be assembled in sections or blocks before being joined together.
At present, GRSE is working on 40 vessels, 17 of which are for the Indian Navy. The first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) from a series of eight is ready for handover, while the second has completed sea trials along with the INS Himgiri, the first in a trio of advanced guided missile frigates under construction.
The NGOPVs, significantly more advanced than their predecessors, are designed for enhanced operational capability. These vessels measure approximately 113 meters in length, 14.6 meters in width, and displace around 3,000 tons. With a top speed of 23 knots and an operational range of 8,500 nautical miles at 14 knots, each ship will be crewed by 24 officers and over 100 sailors.
Designed for versatility, the NGOPVs will support a wide array of missions—from coastal defense, maritime interdiction, and VBSS operations, to mine warfare, special operations, anti-piracy efforts, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief. Their shallow draft of just 4 meters enables close-to-shore operations.
The vessels will also support intelligence gathering (COMINT), act as floating hospitals, assist in fleet maintenance, and participate in ‘Out of Area’ contingency tasks, non-combatant evacuations, and convoy protection missions.
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In his address, Shri S.G. Dastidar praised GRSE’s achievements in indigenous warship building, describing the NGOPV as a “Next-Generation multi-role vessel” that will stand among the most advanced patrol ships globally upon delivery.
Cmde P R Hari highlighted GRSE’s record-breaking turnover in FY 2024-25, attributing the success to its transformation into a Schedule ‘A’ company and outlining a packed delivery schedule for FY 2025-26—including key vessels from the P17A, Survey Vessel, and ASWSWC projects.
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