Kolkata: The Indian Navy celebrated a significant milestone today with the delivery of Nirdeshak (Yard 3026), the second of four Survey Vessel (Large) ships being constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. This delivery comes just a few months after the commissioning of the first ship in the class, INS Sandhayak, on 3 February 2024.
The contract for the four Survey Vessels was signed on 30 October 2018, marking a commitment to bolster India’s maritime capabilities. Designed according to the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping, Nirdeshak is set to play a pivotal role in performing comprehensive coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys of port and harbor approaches, as well as determining navigational channels and routes. In addition, the vessel will collect vital oceanographic and geophysical data for both defense and civil applications.
With a displacement of approximately 3,400 tons and an overall length of 110 meters, Nirdeshak is equipped with advanced hydrographic technologies, including a data acquisition and processing system, autonomous underwater vehicles, remotely operated vehicles, DGPS long-range positioning systems, and digital side-scan sonar. Powered by two diesel engines, the ship can achieve speeds exceeding 18 knots, ensuring operational efficiency in various maritime conditions.
The keel of Nirdeshak was laid on 1 December 2020, and the vessel was launched on 26 May 2022. Following a comprehensive schedule of trials both in harbor and at sea, Nirdeshak is now ready for operational deployment.
Significantly, Nirdeshak boasts an indigenous content of over 80% by cost, showcasing the Indian government’s commitment to the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, aimed at promoting self-reliance in defense production. The delivery of this vessel stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of numerous stakeholders, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the broader Indian industry, in enhancing the nation’s maritime capabilities within the Indian Ocean Region.