ICGS SAMUDRA PAHEREDAR (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: The Minister of External Affairs recently paid a visit to the Indian Coast Guard ship Samudra Paheredar, currently stationed in Manila Bay in the Philippines, as part of an overseas deployment to ASEAN countries.

ICGS Samudra Paheredar

• About: It is a specialized Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) operated by the Indian Coast Guard, following ICGS Samudra Prahari as the second PCV in India.
• Indigenously built by:  ABG Shipyard in Surat, it is stationed on the East Coast of India, specifically in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• Propulsion and Endurance: Powered by twin diesel engines with twin shaft generators, allowing a maximum speed of 21 knots.

oIt boasts an impressive endurance of 6,500 nautical miles and can operate at sea for up to 20 days.

• Pollution Response Capability: Equipped with advanced pollution response and control equipment to combat oil spills effectively, including containment equipment like hi-sprint booms and river booms, and recovery devices like skimmers and side sweeping arms.

oEnsures unhindered oil-recovery operations, vital for mitigating environmental damage.

• Helicopter Operations: Capable of accommodating and operating a twin-engine ALH/Chetak helicopter for aerial support and surveillance.