IOR states go for patrol ships

Nations acquiring new vessels to counter piracy and other maritime crimes.

Indian Ocean states place faith in patrol ships

Stephen Spark

Several Indian Ocean littoral states are acquiring maritime patrol craft to counter piracy, drugs and arms smuggling, people trafficking and illegal fishing, as well as for search and rescue, surveillance and anti-pollution missions.

On 6 November, the Seychelles Coast Guard took delivery of the 46m PS Constant, donated by the Indian government. Formerly known as INS Tarasa, the ship will be used to secure the country’s 1.34M km2 exclusive economic zone (EEZ). At the handover ceremony, Indian Navy Admiral Robin Dhowan said, “The seas around us are gaining importance because of their linkages with the blue economy. The Indian Ocean has emerged as the world’s centre of gravity in the maritime domain.”

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Source: ihsmaritime360.com