Indian Navy receives First Ship of Survey Vessel Sandhayak

First Ship of Survey Vessel (Large) Sandhayak Delivered to Indian Navy are designed and built to conduct hydrographic surveys, collect oceanographic data, and provide limited defense and hospital support during emergencies.

Kolkata, India – On December 4, 2023, the first of four Survey Vessel (Large) ships, named Sandhayak (Yard 3025), was delivered to the Indian Navy at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. The contract for the four Survey Vessel (Large) ships was signed on October 30, 2018.

The SVL ships are designed and built to the rules of the Indian Register of Shipping Classification society by M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. The primary role of the ship will be full-scale coastal and deep-water Hydrographic Survey of Port/Harbour approaches and determination of navigational channels/routes. The zone of operation includes maritime limits up to EEZ/ extended continental shelf. The ships will also collect oceanographic and geophysical data for defense and civil applications. In their secondary role, ships will provide limited defense and function as Hospital ships during war/emergencies.

With a displacement of about 3400 tons and an overall length of 110 meters, Sandhayak is fitted with state-of-the-art hydrographic equipment such as Data Acquisition and Processing System, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, Remotely Operated Vehicle, DGPS Long Range Positioning Systems, Digital Side Scan Sonar, etc. Powered by two Diesel Engines, the ship is capable of achieving speeds in excess of 18 knots.

The keel for the ship was laid on March 12, 2019, and the ship was launched on December 5, 2021. The ship has undergone a comprehensive schedule of trials in harbor and at sea, leading up to its delivery to the Indian Navy on December 4, 2023.

Sandhayak has an indigenous content of over 80% by cost. The delivery of Sandhayak is an affirmation of the impetus being given by the Government of India and the Indian Navy towards ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’. The induction of Sandhayak, despite COVID and other Geo-Political challenges during its construction, is a tribute to the collaborative efforts of a large number of stakeholders, MSMEs, and Indian Industry in enhancing the maritime prowess of the Nation in the Indian Ocean Region.

Key Highlights:

• The first of four Survey Vessel (Large) ships, Sandhayak, has been delivered to the Indian Navy.

• The ships are designed and built to conduct hydrographic surveys, collect oceanographic data, and provide limited defense and hospital support during emergencies.

• Sandhayak has an indigenous content of over 80% and is a testament to India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

Additional Information:

• The four Survey Vessel (Large) ships are part of the Indian Navy’s modernization program.

• The ships will be deployed in the Indian Ocean Region to support the Navy’s operations.

• The induction of these ships will enhance the Indian Navy’s capabilities in hydrographic surveying, oceanographic data collection, and providing support during emergencies.