- Vinayak Gaonkar : Goa Shipyard Ready to Localize OPV Production in Greece
- “India is No Less Than Any Western Shipyard”: Goa Shipyard’s Global Vision at DEFEA 2025
Athens. 07 May 2025. At DEFEA 2025, Goa Shipyard sent a strong message. India is ready to co-develop, co-produce, and co-deliver world-class maritime platforms with international partners. With an adaptable model rooted in indigenous design and global integration, GSL is not only exporting ships—but also exporting trust, technology, and India’s rising capabilities in defence manufacturing.
At the India Pavilion during DEFEA 2025 in Athens, Greece, Goa Shipyard Ltd. (GSL) showcased its export-ready Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) and signaled a strong intent to partner with the Hellenic defence ecosystem. In a conversation with ADU, Vinayak Gaonkar Sr. Mgr EPSP of Goa Shipyard Ltd. discussed the shipbuilder’s strategy for tapping into European markets, readiness for technology transfer and the long-term goal of establishing India as a trusted global defence manufacturing partner.
ADU. What is Goa Shipyard showcasing here at DEFEA 2025?
Vinayak Gaonkar. Thanks for getting me on this. Greece has been a target market for us since 2022. We’ve been actively collaborating with a European company present in Greece to showcase our Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs). The Hellenic Coast Guard and Navy have shown interest in both fast and standard variants of patrol vessels. We’ve offered proposals, and they’ve appreciated our technology and the endorsements we’ve received from the Indian Navy and Coast Guard.
ADU. How have you adapted your offerings to meet local requirements in Greece?
Vinayak Gaonkar. They were keen on some level of localisation and procurement from within Europe. We’ve addressed this by proposing collaborations with local Greek companies. That’s why DEFEA became a strategic platform—we’ve had productive meetings with the Hellenic Coast Guard to better understand their timelines and expectations.
ADU. What is GSL’s main offering in the global export market?
Vinayak Gaonkar. Our primary export focus is the OPV. These vessels are highly customizable for roles like pollution control, ASW, and MCM, but our core strength lies in patrol vessel delivery. Around 90% of the Indian Coast Guard’s patrol vessels come from us, making us a leader in this segment in the Indian subcontinent.
ADU. If Greece launches a “Make in Greece” initiative, how ready is GSL to participate?
Vinayak Gaonkar. We’re fully ready. Greece has some infrastructure but lacks OPV-building technology. We’re offering to bring our know-how, designs, and even material packages from India, while sourcing key systems from Europe for easier service support. The idea is to build these ships locally using Indian expertise and Greek resources.
ADU. Are you also targeting markets beyond Greece at DEFEA?
Vinayak Gaonkar. Yes, absolutely. While Greece is important, we’re also in dialogue with Montenegro and Cyprus. On the commercial front, we’ve already executed orders for clients in Belgium and Luxembourg. We had earlier participated in Nor-Shipping as well, where we showcased our commercial capabilities.
ADU. Are you engaging with other companies here, such as systems suppliers?
Vinayak Gaonkar. Very much so. Shipbuilding is essentially about system integration. We had meetings with Elbit Systems today, who are key suppliers of weapon packages and sonar systems. These partnerships are crucial for strengthening our supply chain.
ADU. How helpful have Indian embassies been in facilitating defence exports?
Vinayak Gaonkar. The support has been phenomenal. Earlier, we had to initiate contact. Now, under the current government, embassies are proactive and efficient. They organise VCs and virtual expos, and Defence Attachés keep engaging us regularly.
ADU. Any final thoughts?
Vinayak Gaonkar. Exporting is not just about business—it’s about establishing India’s global standing. We are as capable as any Western shipyard. It’s about being humble, taking the first step, and proving ourselves. Whether it’s GSL, MDL, or GRSE that wins a contract, it’s India that wins. Like China, we need to start somewhere and build our credibility over time.
At DEFEA 2025 in Athens, Goa Shipyard Ltd. (GSL) made a compelling case for India’s emergence as a global defence manufacturing hub by showcasing its proven Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) and signalling readiness for a ‘Make in Greece’ collaboration. Vinayak Gaonkar of GSL emphasised that “India is no less than any Western shipyard,” underlining the shipyard’s technological capabilities and operational track record. With over 90% of India’s Coast Guard OPVs built by GSL, the company is now targeting the European market, beginning with Greece, where it has initiated dialogue with the Hellenic Coast Guard and Navy for localized OPV production.
GSL’s participation reflects a broader export push, with interest from countries like Montenegro and Cyprus, and expanding outreach to global system integrators. From coast guard expertise to collaborative shipbuilding, Goa Shipyard is positioning itself as a key player in the international defence landscape.
