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ICGS Samudra Pratap: Pioneering Marine Environmental Protection

A Landmark Step in India's Maritime Self-Reliance

ICGS Samudra Pratap: Pioneering Marine Environmental Protection

  • 06 Jan, 2026
  • 451

Introduction to ICGS Samudra Pratap

On January 5, 2026, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh commissioned the Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Pratap in Goa. This vessel is a significant milestone for India's maritime capabilities as it is the first indigenously designed Pollution Control Vessel and the largest ship in the Indian Coast Guard fleet. Its commissioning marks a considerable advancement in India's journey towards self-reliance in maritime operations.

Why is ICGS Samudra Pratap Significant?

The ICGS Samudra Pratap plays a crucial role in enhancing India's environmental protection and maritime safety. As the country's first indigenous pollution control vessel, it strengthens the capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard in protecting coastal regions and ensuring safe maritime operations.

Overview of ICGS Samudra Pratap

Samudra Pratap is designed to be a multi-role vessel with over 60% indigenous content. Its primary functions include:

  • Tackling oil spills and marine pollution
  • Firefighting and managing maritime emergencies
  • Conducting coastal patrols and long-duration surveillance missions

Equipped with advanced automation and pollution response equipment, it significantly enhances the operational reach and environmental response capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard.

Key Features of Samudra Pratap

The ship boasts several advanced systems that improve its functionality, including:

  • 30 mm CRN-91 gun for maritime security operations
  • Two 12.7 mm stabilized remote-controlled guns with integrated fire control systems
  • Dynamic Positioning System (DPS) and retractable stern thruster for precise maneuverability
  • Flush type side sweeping arms for effective pollution containment
  • High capacity external firefighting system
  • Pollution Response Boat with davit and Sea boat davit
  • Shaft generator and multiple indigenously developed onboard systems

These features underline the strong domestic manufacturing capabilities that the vessel embodies.

Operational Role of ICGS Samudra Pratap

The operational mandate of Samudra Pratap includes:

  • Marine pollution response and control
  • Enforcement of maritime pollution regulations
  • Search and rescue operations
  • Maritime law enforcement
  • Protection of India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

Its specialized design allows for rapid deployment during oil spills, chemical leaks, and other environmental emergencies at sea.

Strategic and Environmental Importance

ICGS Samudra Pratap enhances India's capability to respond promptly to marine accidents and oil spills, safeguarding coral reefs, fisheries, and coastal livelihoods. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh emphasized that protecting the marine environment is both a strategic and moral obligation. The ship also aligns with India's vision of being a responsible maritime power, contributing to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Inclusivity in the Indian Coast Guard

In a progressive move, the Indian Coast Guard has appointed two women officers onboard ICGS Samudra Pratap, reflecting its commitment to a gender-neutral and inclusive force. This initiative highlights the transition of the ICG from a platform-centric to an intelligence-driven and integration-centric maritime security organization.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the significance of ICGS Samudra Pratap?
Answer: ICGS Samudra Pratap is India's first indigenous pollution control vessel, enhancing environmental protection and maritime safety while marking a step towards self-reliance in maritime operations.

Q2. What are the primary functions of ICGS Samudra Pratap?
Answer: The vessel's primary functions include tackling oil spills, firefighting, conducting coastal patrols, and managing maritime emergencies with advanced surveillance capabilities.

Q3. How does ICGS Samudra Pratap contribute to environmental protection?
Answer: It enhances India's ability to respond swiftly to marine pollution incidents, thus protecting vital ecosystems such as coral reefs and fisheries.

Q4. What is the operational role of ICGS Samudra Pratap?
Answer: Its operational roles include marine pollution response, enforcement of regulations, search and rescue, law enforcement, and protecting India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Q5. How does ICGS Samudra Pratap promote inclusivity?
Answer: The appointment of two women officers onboard marks a significant step towards gender inclusion in the Indian Coast Guard, promoting a more diverse workforce.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary purpose of ICGS Samudra Pratap?
A) Maritime law enforcement
B) Pollution control and environmental protection
C) Naval combat operations
D) Search and rescue missions
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: When was ICGS Samudra Pratap commissioned?
A) January 5, 2025
B) January 5, 2026
C) March 15, 2026
D) December 1, 2025
Correct Answer: B

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