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Source — Source:TH ///Category — GS Paper 3 ///Published — 2026-01-07 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Rapid Fire CA, Quick Facts For Prelims, GS Paper - 3 ///Source — Source:TH ///Category — GS Paper 3 ///Published — 2026-01-07 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Rapid Fire CA, Quick Facts For Prelims, GS Paper - 3 ///

Source:TH · GS Paper 3

ICGS Samudra Pratap

The Indian Coast Guard commissioned ICGS Samudra Pratap, the first indigenously built pollution control vessel, enhancing India's marine environmental protection and blue‑economy capabilities. With over 60% indigenous content, the ship underscores the push for self‑reliance in defence and maritime technology.

2026-01-07

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Source:TH

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Key Facts and Data Points

Ship Name: ICGS Samudra Pratap ("Majesty of the Seas")
Builder: Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL)
Indigenous Content: >60%
Commissioned By: Defence Minister (date: 07 Jan 2026)
Home Port: Kochi, Kerala
Operational Control: Commander, Coast Guard Region (West)
Speed: >22 knots
Endurance: 6,000 nautical miles
Roles: Pollution response, oil‑spill containment, fire‑fighting, maritime safety, coastal patrol, surveillance, aviation support (helicopter hangar)
Significance: Largest vessel in the ICG fleet; equipped with advanced pollution detection systems and specialised response boats.

Background and Context

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is tasked with safeguarding India's maritime interests, including environmental protection within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Prior to this, the ICG relied largely on foreign‑built platforms for pollution control.
The launch aligns with the "Make in India" initiative and the National Maritime Policy 2017, which emphasize indigenization and sustainable use of marine resources.

Significance for India / Governance / Policy

Environmental Security: Enhances capability to respond to oil spills and other marine pollution incidents, protecting coral reefs, mangroves, and fisheries.
Blue Economy: Supports sustainable exploitation of marine resources, crucial for fisheries, tourism, and offshore energy.
Indigenization: Demonstrates progress in self‑reliance for defence and maritime technology, reducing dependence on imports.
Strategic Reach: With a 6,000‑nm endurance, the vessel can operate across the EEZ and beyond, reinforcing maritime domain awareness.

Related Constitutional / Legal Provisions

Article 246 (7) of the Constitution: Union List includes "Regulation of shipping and navigation" – falls under the Union Government.
Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019: Emphasises protection of coastal ecosystems; vessels like Samudra Pratap aid in enforcement.
Marine Pollution (Prevention and Control) Act, 2023: Provides legal framework for pollution response; the ship is a direct operational asset under this act.

References

Launch of Samudra Pratap – Link