On December 5, 2021, Sandhayak, the first of the four Survey Vessels (Large) Project being built for the Indian Navy (IN) was launched in Hooghly River of Kolkata, West Bengal (WB) in the presence of Minister of State (MoS) Ajay Bhatt, Ministry of Defence (MoD). It is expected to be commissioned by October 2022.
- These Vessels have been designed and developed by Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU), Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Limited on the concept of ‘Integrated Construction’. Its design is in compliance with applicable provisions and regulations of the Classification Society.
- It was launched by Smt Pushpa Bhatt, spouse of Ajay Bhatt, by chanting invocation from Atharva Veda. It is a Naval Maritime Tradition of launching new vessels.
- It has over 80% indigenous content by cost.
Outlay of four Survey Vessels (Large) Project:
The contract for building four survey ships is priced at Rs 2435 Crs. It was signed between MoD and GRSE on Oct 30, 2018.
About Survey Vessels:
i.These survey ships are capable of full scale coastal & deep-water hydrographic survey of Ports & Harbour approaches and determination of navigational channels & routes.
ii.They are also capable of undertaking surveys of maritime limits and collection of Oceanographic & Geographical data for Defence applications.
iii.These ships are propelled by two Marine Diesel Engines combined with Fixed Pitch Propellers and fitted with Bow & Stern Thrusters for manoeuvring at low speeds during surveys.
iv.They can also perform Search & Rescue and Disaster Relief, along with serving as a Hospital ship with limited facilities during emergencies.
v.They will also have a retractable Hangar for stowage of a Utility helicopter.
Points to be noted:
i.As per build strategy adopted by GRSE, first ship is being built at GRSE Ltd and construction of balance three ships is envisaged at L&T Shipbuilding, Kattupalli, Chennai (Tamil Nadu).
ii.The erstwhile Sandhayak was also launched at GRSE, Kolkata 44 years ago on Apr 6, 1977.
Recent Related News:
GRSE, and Naval Group, European Naval Defence Industry from France signed MoU in the field of offering high-end surface ships which are based on the sea-proven “Gowind” design and to fulfil the requirements of India and international naval forces.
About Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Limited:
Parent Ministry– Ministry of Defence (MoD)
Chairman & Managing Director– GRSE Rear Admiral Vipin Kumar Saxena (Retd)
Headquarter– Kolkata, West Bengal
