The second Inshore Patrol Craft (IPC) constructed by the Navy was handed over to the Sri Lanka Coast Guard at the Port of Colombo on November 1.

The new IPC augments the operational capability of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard and allows it to increase its fleet requirements at a low cost saving a substantial amount of foreign exchange to the country, stated the Sri Lanka Navy.

The craft was constructed at SLNS Mahasen in Welisara under the SLN’s Inshore Patrol Craft Construction Project at an approximate cost of 20 million rupees.

The new IPC meets the local requirements since it is custom-built as per the specifications of the operator Sri Lanka Coast Guard using indigenous expertise and raw material. The craft is 14.5m in length and 3.5m in width. It has a displacement of 09 tons and is fitted with two engines of 350 HP each. The hull of the craft is made of fiber glass giving extra safety. The craft is equipped with a modern Radar System, a GPS system and an electronic compass.