Why is it in the news?

• As part of an overseas deployment to ASEAN countries, the Minister of External Affairs visited the Indian Coast Guard ship Samudra Paheredar stationed in Manila Bay, Philippines.

 More about the news

• Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Paheredar, also known as ICGS Samudra Paheredar, is a specialized Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) operated by the Indian Coast Guard.
• ICGS Samudra Paheredar is primarily designed and utilized for pollution response at sea. Its main mission is to mitigate and control oil spills and other environmental pollutants in maritime areas.
• The vessel was constructed by ABG Shipyard, located in Surat, India. It is a product of Indian shipbuilding expertise, tailored to meet the specific needs of coastal pollution control.
• It is stationed on the East Coast of India, based in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. This strategic location allows for swift deployment and response to pollution incidents along the eastern maritime borders of India.

Key Features:

• The vessel is equipped with state-of-the-art pollution response and control equipment. This includes containment gear such as hi-sprint booms and river booms, as well as recovery devices like skimmers and side sweeping arms.
• ICGS Samudra Paheredar is capable of conducting oil recovery operations without hindrance.
• The vessel features an integrated platform management system, which provides centralized control and monitoring of various shipboard systems.
• A robust power management system is integrated into the vessel’s infrastructure, ensuring reliable and uninterrupted power supply for onboard operations, including pollution control activities.
• In addition to its pollution control capabilities, ICGS Samudra Paheredar is equipped with a high-powered external firefighting system.
• The vessel has the capability to accommodate one twin-engine ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter) or Chetak helicopter.