Indian Navy’s New Survey Vessel Sandhayak

December 5, 2023

Sandhayak, Yard 3025, the inaugural vessel among the four Survey Vessel (Large) ships, has been successfully delivered to the Indian Navy on December 4, 2023. Let’s delve into the details of this significant addition to the Indian Navy’s fleet.

Contract and Design

The contract for the construction of four Survey Vessel (Large) ships was inked on October 30, 2018. These ships, known as SVL, are meticulously designed and constructed by M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. They adhere to the rules set by the Indian Register of Shipping Classification society.

Primary Role: Hydrographic Surveys

The primary purpose of the SVL ships is to conduct comprehensive coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys. This involves assessing Port and Harbour approaches, determining navigational channels and routes, covering maritime limits up to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the extended continental shelf. Additionally, these ships are equipped to gather oceanographic and geophysical data for both defense and civil applications.

Secondary Role: Defense and Emergency Support

In their secondary role, these vessels serve a dual function. They provide limited defense capabilities and can function as Hospital ships during times of war or emergencies. This versatility enhances their utility in various scenarios.

Impressive Specifications

With a displacement of about 3400 tons and an overall length of 110 meters, Sandhayak boasts state-of-the-art hydrographic equipment. This includes a Data Acquisition and Processing System, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, Remotely Operated Vehicle, DGPS Long-range positioning systems, and Digital side-scan sonar. Powered by two Diesel Engines, the ship can achieve speeds exceeding 18 knots.

Construction Timeline

The keel for Sandhayak was laid on March 12, 2019, and the ship was successfully launched on December 5, 2021. Following this, the vessel underwent a comprehensive schedule of trials, both in harbor and at sea, leading up to its formal delivery to the Indian Navy on December 4, 2023.

Aatma Nirbhar Bharat

Notably, Sandhayak boasts an impressive indigenous content of over 80% by cost. This underscores the commitment of the Government of India and the Indian Navy towards the ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative.

Overcoming Challenges

The delivery of Sandhayak stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of numerous stakeholders, Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), and the broader Indian industry. Despite facing challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical complexities during its construction, the successful induction of Sandhayak enhances the maritime prowess of the Nation in the Indian Ocean Region.

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