Kochi, Dec 31 (IANS): Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Abheek, the second fast patrol vessel of the coast guard designed and built by the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), was commissioned here Tuesday by Defence Minister A.K. Antony.

Antony said that as the resources on land were getting depleted at a rapid pace, nations are turning to oceans for sustenance.

"Protecting and policing the waters against a wide spectrum of threats is the topmost priority," he said.

"The Coastal Surveillance Network and various other measures are in an advanced stage of implementation to strengthen coastal security apparatus."

On challenges faced by the shipbuilding industry, Antony expressed satisfaction that the CSL designed and delivered such a fine ship.

Vice Admiral Anurag G. Thapliyal, director general of Indian Coast Guard, said the ship was the 23rd commissioning that the coast guard has achieved this year.

This was not only a testimony to India's shipbuilding capabilities, but also of the fast paced modernisation of the Indian Coast Guard fleet which today boasts of more than 90 ships and over 60 aircraft.

ICGS Abheek, commanded by Commandant Manoj Kumar Negi, has a crew of 39 personnel and would be based at Chennai.

Propelled by water jet with a maximum speed of 33 knots and an endurance of 1,500 nautical miles, the ship is capable of undertaking multifarious tasks such as surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue and medical evacuation.

The ship has an integrated gun mount with indigenous fire control system.