Indian Navy Commissions New Deep-Water Survey Vessel

The Indian Navy has received its latest large Survey Vessel for deep water hydrographic mapping specially designed, Nirdeshak (Yard 3026), second of four Survey Vessel (Large) ships, steered by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and being built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata was delivered to the Indian Navy.

Background

• The first ship of the class, INS Sandhayak, was commissioned on 03 Feb 24.  
• The contract for four Survey Vessels (SVL) was signed on 30 Oct 18.

Key Features and Design

• Designed per Indian Register of Shipping classification rules which Ensures the highest standards of safety and performance for maritime operations.
• Built by GRSE, Kolkata, One of India’s premier shipbuilding companies, renowned for delivering advanced naval vessels.

Purpose 

• Conduct full-scale hydrographic surveys, focusing on
• Coastal and deep-water mapping
• Port and harbor approach surveys
• Determining navigational channels and routes
• Collection of oceanographic and geophysical data for Defense applications
• Civil applications, including marine resource exploration and environmental monitoring.

Ship Specifications and Equipment

• Displacement: Approximately 3400 tons, providing stability and durability for long missions.
• Overall length: 110 meters, making it a sizable vessel capable of handling rough seas and extended operations.

Hydrographic equipment

Fitted with cutting-edge technologies for comprehensive data collection, including,

• Data acquisition and processing system.
• Autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) for remote seabed surveys.
• Remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for underwater inspections.
• DGPS long-range positioning systems for precise navigation.
• Digital side-scan sonar for detailed seabed imaging.

Performance

• Powered by two diesel engines, providing a robust and reliable energy source.
• Speed: Capable of achieving speeds in excess of 18 knots, enabling rapid deployment and efficient operations in both coastal and deep-water environments.

Construction Timeline

• Keel laid on 01 Dec 2020, marking the official beginning of the ship’s construction.
• Launch date was 26 May 2022, when the ship was officially introduced to the water for further development.
• Trial phases are Underwent rigorous trials, both in harbor and at sea, to ensure all systems and equipment met operational standards before delivery.

Applications

• SVL ships like Nirdeshak will play a vital role in mapping the ocean floor and ensuring safe navigation for vessels.
• The ship will also gather critical environmental data, assisting in defense operations and civilian projects like coastal management and disaster preparedness.

Indigenous Features and Impact

• Over 80% of the ship’s components and systems have been sourced from Indian industries, ensuring significant local participation.
• Support for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative Nirdeshak’s construction reflects the government’s focus on reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and boosting domestic capabilities in the defense sector.
• The ship is the result of coordination among multiple stakeholders, including, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Indian industries, Enhancing India’s maritime prowess. 
• With the addition of Nirdeshak to the Indian Navy’s fleet, India strengthens its strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), enhancing its capability to conduct surveys and safeguard maritime interests.

About Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) 

• It is a prominent state-owned shipyard located in Kolkata, West Bengal, is a key player in India’s defense sector.
• Founded in 1884 as a small private company along the Hooghly River’s eastern bank, it evolved into Garden Reach Workshop in 1916 before nationalization by the government in 1960.
• GRSE holds Miniratna status.
• It is under administrative control of the Ministry of Defence.
• GRSE proudly stands as the first Indian shipyard to accomplish the construction of 100 warships.

Warship Design Bureau of Indian Navy 

• It is a specialized division responsible for the conceptualization, design, and development of warships and naval vessels. 
• It plays a pivotal role in shaping the Indian Navy’s fleet by creating vessels tailored to meet the nation’s maritime defense needs.