India's Largest Deep Sea Research Vessel to Unlock Ocean's Mysteries

Defence PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) is set to build a monumental research vessel in collaboration with a Goa-based government institution, according to officials released on Thursday. The vessel, stretching 89.5 meters in length, will be the largest of its kind to be constructed in an Indian shipyard, dedicated to the exploration of rare minerals and metals in the deep Indian Ocean.

The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa stated that the vessel would be deployed for extensive scientific surveys and sampling as part of the Ministry of Earth Sciences' Deep Ocean Mission. With an all-weather capability, the ship can carry 34 scientists simultaneously and is anticipated to serve India for the next 30 years.

Built by GRSE in a span of 36 months at an approximate cost of Rs 839.55 crore, the vessel will be a cornerstone in India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative. Boasting a maximum speed of 14 knots, the ship will be equipped with cutting-edge laboratories, scientific equipment, and requisite heavy-duty deck machinery, adhering to the rigorous standards set by the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

Silent-A specifications will minimize underwater noise, and advanced systems like dynamic positioning will allow precise maneuvering. The vessel, designed to meet MARPOL standards, will also feature various ocean profilers, seabed samplers, and onboard analytical systems.

This initiative follows the December 2023 delivery of INS Sandhayak, the largest survey vessel built in India, to the Indian Navy. GRSE's experience will be instrumental in fulfilling this ambitious endeavor for NCPOR.

(With inputs from agencies.)