Goa shipyard to work out deal with Coast Guard: Official

PANAJI - The Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) is in dialogue with the Coast Guard to make the shipyard a one-stop-shop for all repair and maintenance work of the maritime force’s vessels, a top official said Monday.

Addressing a press conference in Panaji, GSL chairman Vineet Bakshi said he was examining the possibility of a long-term relationship with the Coast Guard.

“The Indian Coast Guard does not have its own shipyard unlike the Indian Navy. We are examining the possibility of a long-term relationship with them for the maintenance and repair of their vessels,” Bakshi said.

The former rear admiral also said that there were a lot of logistical issues that needed to be addressed if GSL were to be made the “principal ship repair yard” for the Coast Guard.

“A lot of logistics need to be worked out. Right now, we have the capability to repair two Coast Guard vessels at a time,” he said.

The Coast Guard’s mission is to protect India’s maritime interests, including the coastline, Exclusive Economic Zone and shipping and other aspects of maritime law enforcement.

There are currently five advanced offshore patrol vessels, nine offshore patrol vessels, and 11 fast patrol vessels in the Coast Guard fleet apart from other small vessels.

The GSL is a defence ministry-operated public sector undertaking located in Vasco, 35 km from here.