Goa Shipyard launches INS Srishti, advances India’s indigenous naval shipbuilding

New Delhi: Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), a defence public-sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, launched INS Srishti, a next-generation offshore patrol vessel (NGOPV) being built for the Indian Navy, at its Vaddem facility in Goa on Tuesday.

The defence ministry identified Srishti as Yard 1283, the fourth NGOPV under construction at the Goa shipyard. Its keel was laid on 9 June 2025, marking the start of a major stage of hull construction.

Sandeepa Sahay ceremonially launched the vessel in the presence of Vishvajit Sahay, secretary (defence finance), who attended as chief guest. GSL chairman and managing director, Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, and senior Navy and ministry officials also attended.

Offshore patrol vessels support sustained surveillance of maritime areas, monitor suspicious activity and help protect offshore energy facilities and other infrastructure. They can also undertake search and rescue, anti-piracy and maritime law-enforcement tasks, extending the Navy’s presence beyond busy coastal waters.

According to the defence ministry, the NGOPVs are intended for coastal defence, surveillance, offshore asset protection and rescue missions. Earlier government documents also identify counter-infiltration, anti-trafficking and anti-poaching among the programme’s envisaged roles.

The class has an approximate displacement of 3,000 tonnes. However, the latest announcement did not disclose Srishti’s specific weapons, sensors or propulsion arrangements.

Indigenous shipbuilding gathers pace

The ₹9,781 crore contract signed in March 2023 covers 11 NGOPVs under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) procurement category, prioritizing equipment designed, developed and manufactured in India. The programme supports the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives by expanding domestic shipbuilding capabilities and creating opportunities for Indian defence manufacturers.

Seven are being constructed by GSL and four by Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE). At contract signing, the ministry estimated that the programme would generate 110 lakh person-days of employment over seven and a half years.

The first GSL-built NGOPV, Shachi, was launched in March, while GRSE launched Shreyas on 10 October. These launches reflect parallel construction at the two shipyards, rather than completed delivery of the vessels to the Navy.

Speaking at Tuesday’s ceremony, Vishvajit Sahay stressed the need for higher productivity, cost-efficiency and timely execution. He also called for digital planning, standardized designs and effective contract implementation to support the shipyard’s financial position and expansion plans.

GSL chairman and managing director, Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, reaffirmed the shipyard’s commitment to delivering quality naval platforms that meet the Indian Navy’s operational requirements. He highlighted GSL’s efforts to strengthen production capabilities, improve project execution and maintain demanding technical and quality standards.

Sahay also welcomed GSL’s proposed shipbuilding and repair facility at Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh.

In September, the state government approved an allotment of 400 acres for the proposed ₹8,000 crore project, which is separate from the Srishti programme and has not yet been established as an operating yard.

Launching a ship marks its entry into the water, not its induction into service. Fitting-out, equipment integration, testing and sea trials normally precede delivery and commissioning, and no ship-specific date for Srishti’s entry into naval service has been announced.