Defence PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) signed an Rs 840 crore contract with the Goa-based National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) to construct an ocean research vessel (ORV) on 16 July. The contract, signed between officials from GRSE and NCPOR, outlines the vessel’s construction, which the shipyard stated in its official statement is expected to be completed in 42 months. Officials said the vessel would explore the deep Indian Ocean for rare minerals and metals.
The Kolkata-headquartered warship builder said it has the necessary expertise in the field of survey vessels and has been building them for the Indian Navy for nearly four decades now. With a length of 89.5 metres and a gross weight of 5,900 tones, this vessel is not just the largest research vessel to be built in an Indian shipyard for deep sea exploration but also a key player in the Deep Ocean Mission of the Ministry of Earth Sciences. It will be deployed to undertake deep-sea scientific surveys and sampling, furthering the mission’s objectives. It will have an all-weather capability and the capacity to carry 34 scientists at a time. The release said it is expected to serve India for the next 30 years.
The GRSE will build the state-of-the-art multidisciplinary research vessel under the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. “The vessel will have a maximum speed of 14 Knots and will be equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, scientific equipment and facilities,” the company said.
Big Boost to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’: GRSE signs Rs 840 Cr Deal with NCPOR for Ocean Research Vessel
Kolkata/Goa (July 16, 2024): In yet another remarkable achievement, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd signed a contract with National Centre for Polar & Ocean… pic.twitter.com/vRAsqEnmXH
— GRSE – Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (@OfficialGRSE) July 16, 2024
According to the statement, the vessel can undertake underwater swath multibeam and geophysical seismic surveys in coastal and deep waters. She will also be able to carry out Conductivity, Temperature and Depth (CTD) profiling and water sampling operations, such as biological sampling using vertical and horizontal methods through various nets. The ORV will also effectively carry out surface and deep-sea mooring and data buoy operations, seabed sampling using corers and grabs, and rock dredging with chain bag dredges. She will also undertake underway atmospheric observations, surface meteorological and current measurements, and collect upper air data.
The vessel will also be able to deploy and retrieve heavy test/protocol-type equipment and submersibles such as AUVs and ROVs. Scientists can carry out analytical work and data processing on board. The ship will also provide training and education to scientists and technicians.
In December 2023, GRSE delivered INS Sandhayak, the largest survey vessel built in the country, to the Indian Navy. An official mentioned that three more vessels of this class, each representing a step forward in our maritime capabilities, are at various stages of completion at the shipyard. Also, the official added that this experience will stand GRSE in good stead while designing and building the ocean research vessel for NCPOR.
GRSE is rapidly becoming a go-to destination for those seeking specialised vessels. Recently, Bangladesh signed an agreement with the shipyard for an advanced tug for its Navy. In addition, GRSE is constructing a dredger for Dhaka, at least four multi-purpose cargo vessels for a German company, and 18 warships for the Indian Navy, the company said.
Team BharatShakti
