Keel Laying of Yard 3040 at GRSE Marks Major Milestone in Indian Navy's NGOPV Project

The NGOPV program, split between Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) and GRSE, represents one of the Indian Navy’s most ambitious shipbuilding undertakings in recent years.

On April 24, 2025, a significant milestone was achieved in India’s maritime defense initiatives with the keel laying ceremony of Yard 3040—the fourth Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel (NGOPV) being built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE), Kolkata. The solemn ceremony, rich with naval tradition and national pride, took place at the GRSE shipyard and signifies a key stage in the ship's construction process.

Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition, presided over the ceremony as the Chief Guest. His presence underscored the strategic importance of the NGOPV project in enhancing India's naval capabilities. Also in attendance were Cmde PR Hari (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director of GRSE, along with other senior dignitaries and officials from the Indian Navy and GRSE, highlighting the collaborative efforts behind this ambitious naval program.

A Cornerstone of the NGOPV Initiative

Yard 3040 is the fourth vessel under the Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel project assigned to GRSE. The NGOPV program, split between Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) and GRSE, represents one of the Indian Navy’s most ambitious shipbuilding undertakings in recent years. The Ministry of Defence signed contracts on March 30, 2023, for the indigenous design and construction of eleven NGOPVs—seven of which are to be built by GSL, the lead shipyard, and four by GRSE.

This shipbuilding venture is central to India’s vision of bolstering its indigenous defense capabilities under the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) and 'Make in India' initiatives. The project aims to modernize the Indian Navy's patrol and reconnaissance capacities by replacing aging assets with state-of-the-art vessels.

Technical and Strategic Significance

The NGOPVs, each with an approximate displacement of 3,000 tonnes, are designed to undertake a wide array of roles in both peacetime and during conflict. Their primary missions include:

• Coastal and offshore surveillance

• Search and Rescue (SAR) operations

• Protection of offshore installations and assets

• Anti-piracy and maritime interdiction

The vessels are expected to significantly bolster India’s maritime domain awareness and response capabilities across its extensive coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). They are equipped with advanced sensors, modern navigation systems, and communication suites tailored for multiple mission profiles.

Symbol of Indigenous Shipbuilding Excellence

The keel laying event at GRSE is more than a ceremonial milestone—it’s a testament to India’s growing expertise in indigenous warship construction. GRSE, one of India’s premier defense shipyards, has consistently demonstrated its capability in delivering complex naval platforms. Its involvement in the NGOPV project reinforces its role in supporting national defense through self-reliant industrial capabilities.

Cmde PR Hari (Retd), speaking at the ceremony, emphasized the strategic and symbolic importance of Yard 3040 in shaping the future of Indian naval operations. He also noted the continued commitment of GRSE towards timely and quality execution of defense projects, setting a high standard for the domestic shipbuilding industry.

A Step Toward Enhanced Maritime Dominance

With increasing maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the induction of advanced offshore patrol vessels like Yard 3040 will prove crucial for maintaining a credible and responsive maritime posture. The NGOPV fleet will serve as versatile platforms capable of a wide spectrum of missions, making them indispensable assets for the Indian Navy.

As India steadily progresses towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing, the keel laying of Yard 3040 marks not just the beginning of a ship’s physical construction but also the laying of a stronger foundation for the country’s maritime future.