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.

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