Indian Navy To Commission Survey Vessel INS Sandhayak

Context:

The Indian Navy will commission its latest Survey Vessel, INS Sandhayak, at Naval Dockyard, Vizag.

The event marks the formal induction into the Navy of the first of four Survey Vessel (Large) ships under construction at M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.

About INS Sandhayak

INS Sandhayak is the lead vessel in a series of four Survey Vessels (Large) or SVLs. This technologically advanced vessel, constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, marks a major development in India’s naval prowess.

INS Sandhayak: Background and Evolution

INS Sandhayak is the reincarnation of a survey vessel with the same name, which served the Indian Navy from 1981 to 2021.
INS Sandhayak is the largest survey vessel ever constructed in India, developed by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).
- The project has been steered by the Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy.
It is the first of four Survey Vessels (Large) (SVLs) being developed by GRSE and was formally handed over to the Indian Navy on Navy Day 2023.
The new Sandhayak is far more advanced and equipped to fulfill a wide range of maritime duties.

Capabilities and Functions Of INS Sandhayak

Hydrographic Survey: These SVLs are designed for comprehensive coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys, especially in port and harbour approaches.
- They determine navigation channels and routes, providing crucial data for maritime safety.
Oceanographic and Geophysical Data: The Sandhayak-class vessels can collect oceanographic and geophysical data for both defence and civilian applications, bolstering India’s maritime intelligence.
Secondary Functions: These ships can serve as hospital ships during times of war or emergencies.
- They also have limited defence functions and can participate in low-intensity combat.
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief: The SVLs can be swiftly deployed for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, showcasing their versatility.

Technical Specifications Of INS Sandhayak

Length: 110 metres
Displacement: Approximately 3400 tons
Propulsion: Two Diesel Engines, capable of exceeding 18 knots
Equipment: Cutting-edge hydrographic equipment, including autonomous underwater and remotely operated vehicles, positioning systems, and digital sonar.
Indigenous Content: Over 80% of the cost of INS Sandhayak is indigenous, aligning with the ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative.

INS Sandhayak: Significance For India

It is a 110-metre-long ship propelled by two marine diesel engines combined with fixed-pitch propellers.
It is fitted with bow and stern thrusters to help the ships manoeuvre at low speeds during surveys.
It is capable of full-scale coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys of port and harbour approaches and the determination of navigation channels and routes.
It can undertake surveys of maritime limits and the collection of oceanographic and geographical data for defence applications.
It can carry a helicopter, participate in low-intensity combat, and function as a hospital ship.
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Operations: It’s adept at low-intensity combat, can function as hospital ships, and is deployable for humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions.

Make in India – INS Sandhayak

The delivery of INS Sandhayak showcases India’s growing capabilities in indigenous shipbuilding, reinforcing the Indian Navy’s fleet with technologically advanced survey vessels.
This achievement signifies a substantial step towards bolstering India’s maritime capabilities and self-reliance in naval infrastructure.
The vessel is also versatile, as it is outfitted to accommodate a helicopter, facilitating diverse operations.

About Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE)

Defense PSU: It is a prominent state-owned shipyard located in Kolkata, West Bengal, is a key player in India’s defence sector.
Establishment: Founded in 1884 as a small private company along the Hooghly River’s eastern bank, it evolved into Garden Reach Workshop in 1916 before nationalisation by the government in 1960.
Miniratna Status: GRSE holds Miniratna status.
- It is under administrative control of the Ministry of Defence.
Milestone: GRSE proudly stands as the first Indian shipyard to accomplish the construction of 100 warships.
- GRSE is actively involved in a major undertaking, crafting three Stealth Frigates for the Indian Navy under the P17A Project.

Warship Design Bureau of Indian Navy

It is a specialised 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 defence needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

INS Sandhayak serves as a Survey Vessel (Large) for hydrographic surveys and maritime data collection.

INS Sandhayak was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) and handed over on Navy Day 2023.

They can participate in low-intensity combat, function as hospital ships, and engage in humanitarian and disaster relief missions.

INS Sandhayak showcases India's progress in indigenous shipbuilding, reinforcing the Indian Navy's capabilities.

The Warship Design Bureau of the Indian Navy is responsible for conceptualising and designing naval vessels.

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Indian Navy to Commission Survey Vessel INS Sandhayak

Context:

About INS Sandhayak

INS Sandhayak: Background and Evolution

Capabilities and Functions Of INS Sandhayak

Technical Specifications Of INS Sandhayak

INS Sandhayak: Significance For India

Make in India – INS Sandhayak

About Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE)

Warship Design Bureau of Indian Navy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is INS Sandhayak's primary role in the Indian Navy?

Who constructed INS Sandhayak, and when was it formally handed over to the Indian Navy?

What are the key functions of the Sandhayak-class vessels beyond hydrographic surveys?

What is the significance of INS Sandhayak in the context of 'Make in India'?

Which division is responsible for designing and developing warships for the Indian Navy?

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