Solas Marine Fast Interceptor Boat (FIC) are vessels being built by a shipyard located along the Hamilton Canal at Wattala, near Colombo owned by Solas Marine Lanka (Pvt) Ltd (Formerly by Blue Star Marine). Solas Marine Lanka (Pvt) Ltd is part of Dubai based Solas Marine Services Group.
The Indian ministry of defence (MOD) on May 22, sent out request for proposal (RfP) to 43 shipyards in India and other countries for 80 FIC worth $ 60-65 million. Thereafter Sri Lankan shipyard Solas Marine was shortlisted for supply of the 80 boats. These 80 boats will be supplied in batches of 15 and the induction of the boats will take place over 36 months from the day the contract is signed.
The Solas Marine interceptor boats are 8-10 meter long boats, carry a crew of 5-7 and are lightly-armed, capable of speeds of 45-50 knots. It would be used by the Indian Navy newly-raised 1,000-man Sagar Prahari Bal to intercept suspicious boats along the coast for inspection and verification. They will also be used for preventing crimes such as poaching and smuggling, apart from counter-terror operations.