Vessel Samudra Prahari

Why is in news? Indian Coast Guard Pollution-Control Vessel Samudra Prahari visits Tanjung Priok Port, Indonesia

In a significant demonstration of India's commitment to addressing regional marine pollution threats, the Indian Coast Guard Ship Samudra Prahari, a specialized Pollution-Control Vessel, arrived at the port of Tanjung Priok, Jakarta, Indonesia.

This visit, a part of India's ASEAN initiatives for Marine Pollution Response, underscores India's expertise and collaborative efforts in tackling regional maritime challenges, particularly those related to marine pollution threats.

During this overseas deployment from 11 Sep to 14 Oct 2023, the specialized Pollution Control Vessel earlier made port call in Bangkok, Thailand from 16 Sep to 20 Sep 23.

Equipped with a Chetak Helicopter in Pollution Response configuration, the vessel highlights India's commitment to enhancing pollution response capabilities in the region.

As a part of an overseas exchange program, the ship has aboard 13 National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets, who will participate actively in the "Puneet Sagar Abhiyan" thereby giving the Abhiyan an international reach.

This program focuses on beach clean-ups and similar activities, fostering collaboration with partner nations.

The ship received a warm welcome from BAKAMAL (Indonesia Maritime Security Agency) band playing fanfare and other welcoming military tunes as a gesture to their Indian friends.

The visit is an outcome of India's ASEAN initiatives as announced by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in the ASEAN Defence Minister Meeting Plus held last year in 2022 in Cambodia.

The initiative aligns seamlessly with India's visionary approach, as outlined by Prime Minister of India, encapsulated in "SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region".

About the vessel:

It is an Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) specially designed for pollution control.

It is the first pollution control vessel of its kind in Southeast Asia.

Features:

It is equipped with the most advanced pollution Response and Control equipment for mitigating oil spills in the Exclusive Economic Zone.

It has tanks and inflatable barges for storage of oil spills.

The ship is capable of unhindered oil recovery operations with a storage capacity of 500 KL.

The vessel is designed to operate a twin-engine Advanced Light Helicopter and to operate and embark Chetak helicopter.

Special features include an integrated platform management system, power management system, high power external fire fighting system and one indigenous gun mount with fire fighting system.

The ship has unmanned machinery operation capabilities.