VISIT OF AUSTRALIAN BORDER FORCE CUTTER ‘OCEAN SHIELD’

Chennai    16 May 17.              Australian Border Force Cutter ‘Ocean Shield’ is arriving at Chennai Port AM 18 May 17 as part of International Co-operation. The ship will be at Chennai till Am 20 May 17. During the visit at Chennai, various events are planned by the Indian Coast Guard for mutual interaction to develop Inter-Operability between the two maritime forces.

The ship was constructed as an Offshore Support Vessel by STK OSV, Tulcea, Romania and was later inducted as ABFC ‘Ocean Shield’, an Offshore Patrol Vessel on 30 Jun 2012. The ship has 110.9 mtr LOA with 22.05 mtr beam width. The ship achieves maximum speed of 16 kts with a displacement of 8,500 tons and draws 6.6 mtr draught. A medium size helipad is available atop the bow of the ship. The ship also has 1,000 Sq mtrs deck area for cargo and equipment. Following the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, ‘Ocean Shield’ was one of the several Australian Vessels that took part in the extensive search of the ill-fated MH 370.

          The Australian Cutter is commanded by ABF Superintendent Alan Champkin. The ship has a complement of 16 Officers and 36 sailors. Indian Coast Guard is organisinga welcome ceremony to ABFC ‘Ocean Shield’ in the traditional way on her arrival at Chennai port AM 18 May 17. During the welcome ceremony, ABF Commissioner Roman Quaedvlieg will be interacting with the Indian media personnel.

Chief Public Relations Officer

Coast Guard Region (East)

Tel Office: 044-23460407/Mob:9445939006

Email: cproeast@gmail.com