In a significant development for the Indian Navy news, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd. delivered the largest-ever hydrographic survey vessel to be built in India, the INS Sandhayak. This vessel, made under the classification of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), marks the ‘first of class’ in a series of four such ships being constructed by GRSE for the Indian Navy. The INS Sandhayak is a reincarnation of an earlier ship bearing the same name, which was decommissioned in June 2021.
Design and Capabilities
The INS Sandhayak, entirely design by GRSE, has been built to undertake full-scale coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys of port and harbor approaches and determine navigation channels and routes. These Sandhayak class vessels can also perform research functions, including surveying maritime limits and collecting oceanographic and geographical data for defense applications, enhancing India’s naval capabilities. Additionally, these ships can embark helicopters, are design for low-intensity combat operations, and can function as hospital ships and participate in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
With a displacement of approximately 3,400 tons and an overall length of 110 meters, the INS Sandhayak is equip with state-of-the-art hydrographic equipment, including a Data Acquisition and Processing System, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, Remotely Operated Vehicle, DGPS Long-range positioning systems, and Digital side-scan sonar. Two diesel engines allow the ship to achieve speeds over 18 knots.
Technological Advancements
Explore the state-of-the-art hydrographic equipment and advanced technologies integrated into the INS Sandhayak, including its Data Acquisition and Processing System, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), and other cutting-edge systems contributing to its operational capabilities.
Strategic Importance
Discuss the strategic significance of the INS Sandhayak in enhancing India’s maritime capabilities, ensuring naval safety, supporting defence operations, and contributing to regional security in the Indian Ocean, underscoring its role as a critical asset for national defence and sovereignty.
Delivery and Collaborative Efforts
The delivery of the INS Sandhayak to the Indian Navy on 4th December 2023 is a testament to the close teamwork and synergy between GRSE and IRS teams, even under challenging circumstances. The GRSE-IRS teams continued to perform their duties during the pandemic, ensuring that India received its first-ever survey vessel of this size at the earliest. Commodore P R Hari (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director of GRSE, received the Certificate of Class issued by IRS, highlighting the successful delivery.
The Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) has been commit to supporting the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ initiatives and is extending full support to GRSE in building several strategically significant warships for the Indian Navy. These include eight Shallow Water Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvettes and four Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels, all under IRS classification.
IRS’s collaboration with GRSE underscores its dedication to bolstering indigenous defence capabilities and fostering self-reliance in shipbuilding within India. Through stringent classification standards and technical expertise, IRS ensures that these vessels meet the highest quality and safety standards, contributing to the country’s maritime prowess and security. This partnership exemplifies a synergistic approach towards advancing national defence objectives and the ‘Make in India’ initiative’s goals of promoting domestic manufacturing and innovation.
FAQ’s
1. What is INS Sandhayak?
INS Sandhayak is the largest hydrographic survey vessel in India. It is a specialized ship for conducting surveys and mapping the ocean floor.
2. What is the purpose of INS Sandhayak?
The main job of INS Sandhayak is to do hydrographic surveys to make maps of the ocean floor, gather information about water depths, and find navigational dangers. This data is crucial for safe and efficient navigation and for various scientific and research purposes.
3. How big is INS Sandhayak?
INS Sandhayak is a sizable vessel, measuring approximately 110 meters in length and with a displacement of around 3,300 tons. It has ample space to accommodate a large crew, equipment, and laboratories for data analysis.
4. Who operates INS Sandhayak?
The Indian Navy operates INS Sandhayak. It is an essential asset for the Indian Navy’s hydrographic department, responsible for conducting surveys and ensuring safe navigation in Indian waters.
5. What equipment does INS Sandhayak use?
INS Sandhayak has advanced surveying and mapping equipment, such as multibeam echo sounders, side-scan sonars, and global positioning systems (GPS). These tools enable the vessel to read depths and create detailed seabed charts accurately.
6. How does INS Sandhayak contribute to maritime safety?
INS Sandhayak is vital in ensuring maritime safety by conducting hydrographic surveys. The vessel’s data helps update nautical charts, identify underwater hazards, and improve navigation routes. This knowledge is essential to prevent accidents and ensure ships can safely navigate Indian waters.
7. Can INS Sandhayak be used for other purposes?
While its primary role is in hydrographic surveying, INS Sandhayak can also be utilize for other tasks. It can serve as a platform for scientific research, support search and rescue operations. Even assist in humanitarian missions during natural disasters. Its versatility makes it a valuable asset for the Indian Navy.
The delivery of the INS Sandhayak showcases the growing capabilities of Indian shipbuilders. Their contributions to the nation’s maritime strength. In coastal and deep-water surveys and defense and humanitarian missions, the INS Sandhayak will be vital with its superior hydrographic equipment and versatility. This accomplishment reflects the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, MSMEs. The Indian industry, promoting self-reliance and marine superiority in the Indian Ocean.
By delivering India’s largest hydrographic survey vessel, GRSE. The Indian Navy has strengthened India’s defense and marine might. The INS Sandhayak‘s contribution to the ‘Make in India’and ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’initiatives represents a milestone in India’s journey towards self-sufficiency. Indigenization in defense manufacturing. With this remarkable achievement, the INS Sandhayak will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in safeguarding India’s maritime interests. The INS Sandhayak ensured regional security.
