ICGS Vikram, a patrol vessel that is first among the seven new generation patrol vessels proposed to be made in India for strengthening Coast Guard, visited New Mangalore Port here on Sunday May 13. The ship, on its maiden visit to the port here, was extended a warm welcome on behalf of Karnataka central division.

The new vessel, 'Vikram', which has joined Coast Guard, is equipped with latest arms to be able to launch attacks as and when necessary. It is 98 metres long and 15 metres wide. Its weight is 2100 tonnes.

The vessel has the capacity to move at a speed of 24 nautical miles per hour with the capacity to carry a helicopter with two engines. 30 mm gun, and two ultra modern speed boats have been added to provide leading edge to this vessel. It is equipped with capacity to operate fire emergency system and automated power management system besides having the capacity of purifying sea water. The ship is operated by 14 officers, and 88 other staff.

This ship was built by Larsen and Toubro's Katupalli Shipyard facility near Chennai and handed over to the Coast Guard.

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