INS Sandhayak: On December 4, 2023, the Indian Navy took delivery of the Sandhayak (Yard 3025), the inaugural vessel among the four Survey Vessel (Large) ships under construction at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata. The contract for the construction of these four Survey Vessels (Large) was formally signed on October 30, 2018.
The Survey Vessel (Large) ships, constructed by M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, adhere to the regulations set by the Indian Register of Shipping Classification society. These ships are specifically designed for comprehensive coastal and deep-water hydrographic surveys, focusing on port/harbor approaches and the determination of navigational channels/routes. The operational zone encompasses maritime limits up to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and extended continental shelf. Additionally, the vessels are equipped to collect oceanographic and geophysical data for both defense and civilian applications.
In their secondary capacity, the ships serve limited defense functions and can operate as hospital ships during times of war or emergencies. With a displacement of approximately 3400 tons and an overall length of 110 meters, the Sandhayak is outfitted with cutting-edge 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. Propelled by two Diesel Engines, the ship is capable of achieving speeds exceeding 18 knots.
The ship’s keel was laid on March 12, 2019, and it was subsequently launched on December 5, 2021. Following this, the vessel underwent an extensive series of trials both in harbor and at sea as part of a well-structured schedule. These trials culminated in the ship’s delivery to the Indian Navy on December 4, 2023.
With an indigenous content constituting over 80% of its cost, the delivery of Sandhayak stands as a testament to the commitment of the Government of India and the Indian Navy towards the ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative. The successful induction of Sandhayak, achieved despite challenges posed by COVID-19 and other geopolitical factors during its construction, reflects the collaborative endeavors of numerous stakeholders, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and the Indian industry. This collective effort contributes significantly to bolstering the maritime capabilities of the nation in the Indian Ocean Region.
